1packageSeeds of Change Quinoa Brown and Red RiceBrown and Red Rice
1cupchopped kale leaves
1cupshredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
Slice the tops off the mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. Rub the pumpkins and tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the pumpkins (with their tops on) on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkins are just tender.
Meanwhile, add a tablespoon of olive oil to a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook it well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drain off the grease and set the sausage aside.
In the same pan, add the onions and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add the apple cider to the pan. Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom with a wood spoon. Then add the pecans, nutmeg, and thyme. Cook until the liquid is slightly reduced (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Microwave the Seeds of Change Quinoa, Brown and Red Rice according to the package directions.
In a large bowl, combine the sausage, onion, mushrooms, dried cranberries, rice, kale, and 3/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Transfer the pumpkin bottoms to a large cast-iron pan. Set the tops aside.
Stuff the pumpkins with the sausage, rice, and cranberry mixture. Heap the mixture on top of each pumpkin. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkins are soft and the stuffing is heated through.
Serve hot and place the pumpkin tops* back on the pumpkins.
Notes
*The tops can be warmed up on the same baking sheet by placing them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. They are mostly decorative.