Imagine a cozy, autumn evening filled with the aroma of sweet pumpkin, cinnamon, and honey wafting through the air. Ghapama is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and warmth. Ready to bring this Armenian classic into your kitchen? Let’s cook it together!
Ingredients for Your Ghapama Adventure
Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 1.5 hours
🧡 The Star:
- 1 medium pumpkin (about 4-5 lbs, sugar pumpkin or kabocha works best!)
💫 The Sweet & Nutty Filling:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (for a modern, protein-packed twist!)
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
- ½ cup golden raisins or currants
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, but oh-so-good!)
- 1 cup unsweetened apple juice or water (to keep the filling moist and delicious)
- 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a vegan-friendly option)
🌱 Spices & Extras:
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional but brings out deeper flavor!)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Ghapama Together!
Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin Magic
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, let’s transform our pumpkin into the perfect Ghapama vessel:
- Slice off the top of the pumpkin to create a lid (like a little pumpkin hat!).
- Scoop out all the seeds and strings inside (tip: save the seeds for roasting!).
- Brush the inside with melted butter or coconut oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet & Nutty Filling
In a large bowl, combine your brown rice (or quinoa), chopped dried fruits, walnuts, and spices. Pour in the apple juice, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and give it a good mix! Think of this as filling your Ghapama with love and warmth. 💖
🎃 Step 3: Stuff the Pumpkin
Spoon your flavorful filling into the pumpkin, pressing gently so you can pack in all that goodness without overflowing. Place the pumpkin “hat” back on top, covering the filling.
🔥 Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed pumpkin in a baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 hours until the pumpkin is tender. Check by poking it gently with a fork—when it’s soft, it’s ready!
Kitchen Tip: Wondering if it’s done? The color will deepen and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Ready to Serve Your Ghapama?
Carefully slice the pumpkin into wedges, so each slice has both the tender pumpkin and the delicious filling. Drizzle a little extra honey or maple syrup on top if you like it extra sweet, and sprinkle with extra walnuts for a beautiful presentation. 🌰🍯
Fun Fact: Why Ghapama?
Did you know? Ghapama is traditionally sung about in an Armenian folk song called “Hey Jan Ghapama!” This pumpkin dish isn’t just food—it’s culture, tradition, and a symbol of hospitality. It’s often served at holidays or family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
So, as you enjoy your Ghapama, you’re not only savoring a tasty meal but also connecting with generations of Armenian heritage!
Enjoy your wholesome Ghapama adventure! Tag us with your Ghapama creations or use #WholesomeGhapama to share your experience. We can’t wait to see how your stuffed pumpkin turns out!
English 
Armenian