Pastina in a Pumpkin

A savory fall dish that lends itself to improvisation.

1 large pumpkin, about 6 pounds
extra-virgin olive oil for oiling pumpkin, plus 2 tablespoons
salt and freshly ground pepper
about 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
¾ pound dried pastina or other small pasta, such as riso
1 cup roasted winter squash (butternut)
1 cup cubed cooked turkey, plain or smoked (about ¼ pound; optional)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + a small piece for garnishing
balsamic vinegar dressing (optional)


Variation with greens: For a colorful and nutritious addition, cut several handfuls of winter greens such as spinach or chard into a chiffonade and stir into the pastina just to wilt before serving.

Variations with proteins: In addition to or instead of the turkey, brown chicken-apple-sage sausages, slice and add to the pastina mixture before filling the pumpkin.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the lid off the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and fibers. Scrape away some of the flesh, especially around the top, to form a large, smooth inner cavity. Make sure to leave the shell at least 1 inch thick all around. Oil the pumpkin inside and out and season inside with salt and pepper. Replace the lid. Place on a baking sheet and bake until about two-thirds cooked but still firm enough to stand and act as the soup container, about 40 minutes. Do not over-bake. If a good deal of liquid gathers in the bottom, spoon out and discard. Set aside; it will stay warm on its own a good while.

Bring the stock to a low simmer in a saucepan. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauti pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and cook until soft but not brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the thyme, stir, and add 2 cups of the stock. Bring to a boil. Add the pastina, stir well, and reduce the heat to maintain a slow simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, adding the stock ½ cup at a time as the previous addition is absorbed and stirring occasionally to prevent the pastina from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes. Add the roasted squash and turkey to reheat. Stir well. The consistency should be quite loose, like a thick soup. Add more stock if necessary. Add the ½ cup cheese and let melt for a moment before stirring in. Taste for seasoning.

Fill the reserved pumpkin shell with the pastina, ladle the pastina in to individual bowls and grate additional permesan cheese over each serving. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or cranberry dressing if desired. (Replace the lid and take to the table immediately.)