Caribbean pumpkin rice

Pumpkins are very popular in many of the island cuisines of the Caribbean and it combines beautifully with spices. If you’re looking for a West Indian flavoured meal, serve accompanied by red Creole beans and a simple salad.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 6 green shallots, slivered
- 2 cups parboiled rice
- 2 Tbsp Caribbean Layover blend, ground
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 3 cups diced pumpkin
- 2-3 green chopped shallots to garnish
Method
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1
Place the oil, onions and pepper in a large casserole on medium heat. Cook, while stirring for 4 to 5 minutes to brown the vegetables.
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2
Add the shallots, rice and spices. Mix well, salt and pepper, then add the corn and tomatoes. Stir well for 1 minute then add 3 cups of water.
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3
Bring to a boil and incorporate the diced pumpkin. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat or simply remove the casserole. Let rest another 20 minutes; the residual heat will finish the cooking process.
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4
Serve garnished with chopped green shallots.