Stuffed Mini Pumpkins Delight (Printer-Friendly)

Mini pumpkins filled with savory mushroom, walnut, and cheese blend for a delicious and satisfying dish.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 mini pumpkins (Jack-be-Little or Munchkins), washed and dried
02 - 12 mushrooms, chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Nuts & Seeds

05 - 2¼ tablespoons walnuts (or pre-cooked chestnuts)

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (or 2 slices bacon, chopped)
07 - ¼ teaspoon freshly milled black pepper
08 - Pinch fleur de sel or Celtic salt

→ Dairy & Alternatives

09 - 4 tablespoons half-fat crème fraîche (or Greek yoghurt)
10 - 4 tablespoons cheese (Emmental, Comté, Parmesan, or Cheddar), grated

→ Herbs

11 - 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon rosemary, thyme, or sage)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Pierce the base of each mini pumpkin with a fork and microwave on a plate for 4 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
02 - While pumpkins cool, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté mushrooms and garlic, adding bacon if using, over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked.
03 - Cut off the cooled pumpkin tops and remove seeds, reserving the tender flesh to keep the cavity hollow for stuffing.
04 - Remove the mushroom mixture from heat and stir in crème fraîche, walnuts, half of the grated cheese, fresh herbs, smoked paprika or bacon, then season with pepper and salt.
05 - Fill each hollowed pumpkin with the prepared mixture. Place the tops aside for decoration.
06 - Arrange stuffed pumpkins in a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and grill in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until golden and melted.
07 - Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm as a side or main dish.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Smoked paprika offers a vegetarian alternative to bacon; nutmeg pairs well with mushrooms and cheese.
02 - To prepare a vegan version, replace dairy with cooked quinoa or wild rice and increase nut quantity.

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