As the crisp air of Autumn settles over London, few dishes capture the season’s essence quite like pumpkin meloso rice. This comforting Spanish-inspired recipe is creamy, fragrant, and full of the earthy sweetness of roasted pumpkin. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a wholesome choice for everyone at your table.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 250g Arborio or Bomba rice
- 400g roasted pumpkin, mashed
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100ml Manzanilla white wine
- 750ml hot vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Toss cubed pumpkin with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a touch of cinnamon. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender. Once cooled slightly, mash it into a soft purée and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the smoked paprika and nutmeg to release their aroma.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the Manzanilla white wine, letting it simmer for a minute until the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich depth of flavour.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Stir in the rice, coating it fully in the aromatic base. Cook for a minute until the grains appear glossy.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Meloso
Gradually add the hot vegetable stock, a ladle at a time, stirring gently after each addition. This slow process allows the rice to absorb the liquid and release its starch, creating that creamy “meloso” texture — somewhere between risotto and soupy rice.
Step 6: Fold in the Pumpkin
Once the rice is almost tender, stir in the roasted pumpkin purée. Simmer for a few more minutes until the mixture turns velvety and rich. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pumpkin meloso rice warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine or a rustic sourdough slice for the perfect Autumn meal.
Serving Tip:
This dish makes a wonderful centrepiece for cosy dinners. Its golden hue and creamy texture evoke the warmth of the season, making every spoonful a little taste of Autumn comfort.
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