While Halloween might be over for another year, pumpkins still have a place in the festive season! This absolutely stunning Whole Roast Jewel Pumpkin is a terrific way to add a tasty bit of pizzazz to your Christmas spread.
Continuing our Season of Christmas 2025 recipe series, read on for how to add a little pumpkin perfection to your Christmas spread.
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 80 minutes
Difficulty: moderate
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Ingredients
1 medium jewel pumpkin, about 2kg
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt, for seasoning
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup wild rice (or mixed grains), cooked
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 tbsp mint, chopped
½ cup pomegranate seeds
¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Method for Whole Roast Jewel Pumpkin
1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Wash pumpkin and slice off a lid. Scoop out seeds and fibres. Rub inside and out with olive oil, thyme and salt. Place garlic cloves inside cavity.
3. Roast for 1 hour, until pumpkin is tender but still holding its shape.
4. Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté onion with a drizzle of olive oil until soft. Stir through cooked wild rice, parsley, mint and half the pomegranate seeds. Season.
5. Remove pumpkin from oven. Discard garlic cloves. Fill cavity with grain mixture, piling high.
6. Roast for a further 20 minutes with lid slightly askew, until pumpkin is golden and filling warmed through.
7. Scatter with remaining pomegranate seeds and toasted pepitas before serving.
Handy Hints for your Whole Roast Jewel Pumpkin
- Slice at the table for a dramatic centrepiece.
- Use quinoa, freekeh or couscous instead of wild rice if preferred.
- Add feta or goat’s cheese to stuffing for creaminess.
- Smaller pumpkins can be roasted individually and filled for personal serves.
Drinks Pairing – Bellini
Nothing makes a meal more memorable than the right drink, and this stunning White Peach & Thyme Bellini is just the right amount of fancy!
Get mixing with our recipe here.
More Christmas Dinner Inspiration
Take your spread to the next level with even more ideas for a truly unforgettable Christmas Dinner or Lunch.
- Turkey Breast Stuffed with Sage & Pancetta
- Cranberry Glazed Ham
- Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Grilled Lobster Tails
- Duck Fat Potatoes
Discover More Seasonal Recipes from the Season of Christmas 2025 Series!
Be sure to create the Christmas feast of your dreams with the rest of our mouth-watering recipes from the Season of Christmas series for 2025.