Ingredients

  • 1 cup onions minced
  • 1/2 cup green bell peppers minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin fresh, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup long grain rice cooked, (white or brown)
  • 6 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 2 ounces walnuts finely chopped
  • 1 each eggs beaten
  • 2 tablespoons parsley leaves minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 ounce parmesan, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated grated
  • 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, stewed, canned

Method

  • Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
  • Spray a large non-stick skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook onion and bell peppers over medium heat, stirring often, until onion is pale gold, about 5 minutes.
  • Add pumpkin and broth, cover and cook over low heat until pumpkin is soft, about 7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; add rice, breadcrumbs, walnuts, egg, parsley, salt, sage and pepper; mix well.
  • Spray a 4-cup baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Pack rice mixture into dish; sprinkle with Parmesan and bake 25 minutes.
  • Run under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly browned on top.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the stewed tomatoes to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
  • Cook, uncovered, until reduced to 1 cup.
  • Serve as is or puree in blender or food processor.
  • Serve loaf with sauce on the side.