Timeless taste: Century-old Ukrainian pumpkin porridge recipe
How pumpkin porridge was prepared in the past (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
Pumpkin porridge is a well-known Ukrainian dish made from pumpkin. On ordinary days, the porridge was cooked with milk or water, while on Sundays and holidays, the dish was usually baked. Initially, pumpkin porridge was prepared with millet, but over time, rice began to be used in some regions.
The culinary YouTube channel "Ukrainian Cuisine Best Traditions" shared the recipe for preparing an old-fashioned pumpkin porridge.
Ingredients for pumpkin porridge
To prepare pumpkin porridge according to the ancient recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- Water - 1 liter
- Pumpkin - 500 grams
- Rice - 100 grams
- Cream - 250 milliliters
- Butter - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - a pinch
- Sugar - 150 grams
How to cook pumpkin porridge according to ancient recipe
Peel the pumpkin and cut it into small, thin slices. This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
Pre-baking the pumpkin is not required; in this recipe, it is boiled together with rice.
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How to cut pumpkin for pumpkin porridge (screenshot / Ukrainian Cuisine Best Traditions)
Place the pumpkin into a large pot and add rice. Historically, rice was often called "ryzh" in Ukraine. Although millet or semolina can be used for pumpkin porridge, rice enhances the creamy consistency and taste when cooked.
Add sugar to make the porridge sweet. The amount can be adjusted to taste since pumpkin is naturally sweet, as well.
Add a pinch of salt for flavor balance. Also, stir in butter to improve the porridge's texture.
Pour in water, place the pot on heat, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Check the pumpkin and rice's readiness from time to time.
Once the ingredients are cooked, pour in the cream. Allow the dish to simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.
When done, serve the pumpkin porridge in bowls. You can optionally enhance it with your favorite dried fruits.
