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Home-style · Vegetarian

Pumpkin Rice Congee

南瓜粥 · Nán guā zhōu

Rice simmered with pumpkin until the grains open and the pumpkin softens. No sugar is necessary if the squash is naturally sweet.

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Prep12 min
Cook45 min
Serves3
DifficultyMedium
Pumpkin Rice Congee — AI-generated dish reference, not a photo
AI-generated dish reference · not a photograph · China Table · AI-generated · Original AI illustration
Recipe guide · not yet kitchen-testedAI-assisted editorial draft. Timing depends on your stove, pan, and ingredient size. Use the doneness checks below.

Let’s get cooking

  1. 01

    Rinse and dice

    Rinse rice and drain. Cut pumpkin into 1.5 cm cubes so it softens evenly.

  2. 02

    Start the rice

    Bring measured water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rice, stir, then lower to a gentle simmer.

  3. 03

    Add pumpkin

    After 10 minutes, add pumpkin. Keep the lid ajar and simmer another 25–35 minutes, stirring the base every few minutes.

  4. 04

    Adjust texture

    When grains open and pumpkin is soft, mash a few cubes with the spoon. Add hot water if too thick, optional salt if desired, and serve.

A little kitchen wisdom

A heavy-bottomed pot and regular gentle stirring reduce sticking; keep the simmer low to avoid overflow.

Can’t find an ingredient?

Pumpkin: Use peeled butternut squash cut into the same size cubes.

Cook safely

Cool cooked rice promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 32°C / 90°F. Reheat leftovers to 74°C / 165°F.

FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗