“Twisted Ginger Pumpkin Rice”

Here is a favorite Whole-Foods Plant-Based recipe that my wife loves and kids will really enjoy. This dish is super simple to make, and it’s full of the great nutrition of pumpkin. Pumpkin is full of anti-inflammatory compounds that also lower cholesterol… plus all the antioxidants found in ginger. And this dish is very soothing for the digestive tract. This is a great dish to serve on a hot summer day… and together with a nice salad, this is a full spectrum meal.

Ingredients:

3 - Cups of Organic Brown Rice - Not Cooked

4 - Cups of Fresh Organic Pumpkin - Chopped - And blended with 3 cups of water and the Ginger below

3 - Inch Piece of Fresh Organic Ginger

1 1/2 - Cups of Organic Red Bell Pepper - Chopped and cooked for the traditional cooking method, uncooked for the pressure cooking method.

2 - Cups of Organic Zucchini - Chopped - Chopped and cooked for the traditional cooking method, uncooked for the pressure cooking method.

3 - Salt-Free Organic Veggie Bouillon Cubes

2 - Cups of Additional Filtered Water

Salt and Pepper to Taste

(Optional) - Hot Pepper Sauce if You Like it Spicy

Traditional Cooking Method

Cook your brown rice as you normally do but add in the blended pumpkin and ginger and extra water and bouillon cubes. When the rice is done add the cooked red pepper and zucchini and that’s it.

Salt and pepper to taste, let cool and serve with a little bit of kale on top.

Electronic Pressure Cooking Method

This can also be done in an electronic pressure cooker. Take the brown rice and add the blended pumpkin and ginger and extra water and the chopped zucchini and bell pepper. Place the pressure cooker on low pressure for 37 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste, let cool and serve with a bit of kale on top.

Serves 12 people

Make this recipe your own… perhaps adding some Italian season or cajun spices… whatever you enjoy!

Serving Suggestion - Serve this with a nice three bean salad and a green salad for lots of great nutrition.

Health Benefits of Organic Pumpkin

Pumpkin is just one winter squash, this family also includes Butter Nut, Hubbard, Turban, Kabocha, Acorn, Spaghetti Squash, White Pumpkins, Blue Kokkaido Pumpkins, Cheese Pumpkins, Red Kuri Pumpkins, Sweet Dumpling Pumpkins, and other less know winter squash.

Lots of Vitamin A – These orange-fleshed squash have amazing amounts of Beta Carotene and Vitamin A. In fact, they contain 300 times the RDA of Vitamin A.

Low in Calories – With hardly any calories… (only 75 calories per cup) make them a great diet food.

Fiber – Lots of fiber creates a wonderful place for probiotic bacteria to grow and boost your immune system and keep you regular.

Diabetes – Winter Squash helps to regulate blood sugar levels and insulin production, and it also has a very low glycemic index. Which means it breaks down into sugars very slowly making it great for diabetics.

Cancer – Without oxidization cancer can’t take hold, and that’s why antioxidant rich foods like Winter Squash are very important for preventing cancer.

Antioxidants – Winter Squash works wonders for staving off disease because they are packed full of lots of great antioxidants that protect you from colds, flu, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. One cup of Winter Squash will give you over 18,000 micrograms of Beta Carotenoids a powerful antioxidant.

Anti-Inflammatory – Winter Squash contains Cucurbitacin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps to prevent diseases including arthritis. And because inflammation is the root cause of cardiovascular disease this means that Winter Squash can make a difference by curtailing cardiovascular disease.

Antibacterial and Antiviral – And Cucurbitacin is a powerful antimicrobial agent working well to kill off all invading bacteria and viruses.

Lowers Cholesterol – Winter Squash lowers LDL or bad cholesterol because it contains Cucurbita which prevents the formation of cholesterol.

Contains – Winter Squash contains Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant, lots of B vitamins for prenatal health and vital energy, magnesium for preventing migraines, tryptophan for getting a good nights rest, Vitamin K to prevent excessive clotting, copper and iron for anemia, zinc for boosting your immune system, potassium for water regulation, manganeses for lots of great things including helping with depression and strong bones, and a healthy dose of fiber to promote probiotic development… and thus boost your immune system.

Omega 3 Oils – Winter Squash contains great Omega 3 Oils that prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes. One cup of Winter Squash gives you almost 350 mg of Omega 3 oils.

Fat-Free Food – Winter Squash is virtually fat-free thus making it a great weight loss food.

Remember to Eat Organic Pumpkin - Regular pumpkin in the stores contain up to 6 cancer causing chemicals, 12 hormone-disrupting chemicals, and 10 other disease causing chemicals. Stay Healthy Eat Organic!

Enjoy This Great Recipe!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist