Curry-Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

These savory stuffed pumpkins are the perfect autumn treat. Filled with millet, jalapeno, nuts, coconut and curry, they’re perfect for guests or a quiet evening in. This recipe comes to us from Robin Asbell.

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Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 3 small sweet dumpling squash or mini pumpkins (about 13 oz/370 g each)
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1/2 cup/60 g chopped onion
• 1 tbsp minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 medium jalapeño, chopped
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup/50 g millet
• 1/2 cup/120 ml coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup/55 g raw cashews
• 1/2 cup/55 g whole almonds, toasted
• 2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400° F/200° C/gas 6. Cut the squashes in half from the stem to the tip, or if you are using pumpkins that sit flat, cut off the tops as shown in the photo above. Scoop out the seeds and place them cut-side down on oiled baking sheets/trays. Bake for 10 minutes (they will not be completely cooked). Take the pans out and flip the squash halves over. When they have cooled, use a spoon to cut into the flesh, loosening it in spots but leaving it in the shell. Reduce the oven temperature to 375° F/190° C/gas 5.

In a 2-qt/2-L saucepan, heat the oil and add the onion, ginger, and mustard seeds. Sauté over medium-high heat until the onions are golden, about 5 minutes. Add the jalapeño, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon and stir until they are fragrant. Add the millet and stir to coat, then add the ¼ cup/60 ml water, the coconut milk, and salt and bring them to a boil. When it boils, cover the pan and turn the heat to low. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the nuts, then stuff the mixture into the squashes. Sprinkle each with 1 tsp of coconut.

Bake the squashes until the filling is set and bubbling and the squashes are easily pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes. Let them cool slightly before serving.