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Ingredient notes and substitute suggestions
Cooked rice: I have used long grain basmati rice as they are very fragrant. You can use any long or medium-size grain of your choice. Don’t pick a variety that’s too small or too starchy otherwise the rice may turn mushy in the casserole.Pumpkin: You can use any squash of your choice.Chickpeas: Canned or home cooked both are fine. You can use any other beans or a combination of different beans in this recipe.Spinach: I have used baby spinach but regular spinach or any other leafy green can also be used.Walnuts: Almonds and pine nuts also taste good in this casserole. You can skip nuts if you don’t like them in your casseroles but they add a nice texture to the dish.Dried cranberries: Black raisins or other dried fruits and berries can also be used. Rinse them before adding so that they remain moist.Cheese: Use any melting cheese of your choice. You can also mix a few different varieties and then use them.Seasoning: Feel free to use dried herbs and spices of your choice to season this savory pumpkin casserole. I have used ground nutmeg, thyme, black pepper, red chili flakes, and salt.
Step 2: Add chopped pumpkin and salt. Step 3: Cook covered until the pumpkin gets cooked. It will take around 10-15 minutes. Step 4: Once the pumpkin is cooked, add dried thyme, red chili flakes, ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Step 5: Saute pumpkin with seasoning for a few seconds. Steps 6 and 7: Add cranberries, walnuts, cooked rice, chickpeas, spinach, cream, milk, and shredded mozzarella. Step 8: Mix everything and then switch off the stove. Steps 9 and 10: Brush a baking dish with some oil. Evenly spread the pumpkin rice mix on it. Step 11: Spread shredded cheddar on top. Step 12: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for around 25 minutes or until the cheese layer gets golden patches on it. Your satisfying vegetarian pumpkin rice casserole is ready to be enjoyed. If you want, you can serve it with a nice salad, sauteed or roasted vegetables, or any toasted bread of your choice. You can also reheat it using a microwave. To do that, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Transfer to a microwave-safe container and microwave until nicely heated.
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Recipe
