Place a large pan over medium heat and heat olive oil.
2 teaspoon oilve oil
Add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
Add red onion and garlic powder. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is softened.
1 red onion chopped, ¼ teaspoon garlic minced
Stir in the pumpkin cubes.
1½ pound pumpkin or 5 cups cubed
Cover it with a lid and cook for about 12 minutes or until the pumpkin is cooked.
Add all the spices, salt, and coconut milk.
¼ teaspoon thyme dried, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder, ½ cup coconut milk, salt to tatse, ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
Stir well and continue to cook for a couple more minutes.
Mash 5- 6 pumpkin cubes and mix them into the dish. This provides an even flavor to the dish.
Add the cooked basmati rice and mix well.
Continue to cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Remove from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Garnish with cilantro leaves, and enjoy flavorful pumpkin rice.
2-3 chopped cilantro for garnish