Mahshi Qarah

Directions

1. 1
   Wash the pumpkin and, with a strong sharp knife, cut out a round lid around the stalk end of the pumpkin and lift it out.
2. 2
   Scrape inside and remove the seeds and loose fibers.
3. 3
   Make the filling.
4. 4
   Fry the onion in the oil till soft.
5. 5
   Add the meat and continue to cook, crushing it with a fork and stirring until it changes color.
6. 6
   Add the rest of the ingredients (the pine nuts may be toasted or fried till lightly colored) and fill the pumpkin.
7. 7
   Put the lid on, place it on a baking sheet, and bake for at least an hour in a 375F oven, until it feels soft when you press.
8. 8
   Bring to the table and serve hot, cut into generous slices, each topped with stuffing.
9. 9
   Replace the rice filling with bulgur pilaf with raisins and pine nuts (page 368).
10. 10
    Sprinkle a little sugar inside to sweeten the flesh before filling the pumpkin.