Escondidinho de Abóbora

Escondidinho de Abóbora is a delightful Brazilian dish that features creamy mashed pumpkin layered with a savory filling, often made with cheese or vegetables. This vegetarian version is not only hearty but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin - 400 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Bell pepper - 1 small, chopped
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Nutmeg - a pinch
• Grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or parmesan) - 100 grams
• Vegetable broth - 100 ml
• Butter - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Peel and chop the pumpkin into small cubes. Boil in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain the pumpkin and mash it in a bowl. Mix in a tablespoon of butter, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a small baking dish, layer half of the mashed pumpkin at the bottom. Spread the vegetable filling evenly on top, followed by the remaining pumpkin mash.
7. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the pumpkin layer.
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from the pumpkin, promoting good vision and a healthy immune system.
• High in fiber from spinach and pumpkin, aiding digestion and maintaining gut health.

Tags