Pumpkin Fried Rice with Basil

Halloween is on 31 October, and there will be lots of pumpkins available. With some pumpkin and basil, you can cook this delectable fried rice. Olive can be added to this fried rice, if desired.

Preparation: 15 mins, Cooking time: 15 mins

Ingredients (serves 2)
° 200g rice, cooked
° 200g pumpkin (weight after peeling), diced
° 1 slice ginger or 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
° 50g basil leaves
° 3 tablespoons olive oil
° 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
° salt, to taste
° pepper (optional), to taste

For Garnish
° 50g basil leaves
° oil, for deep-frying
° roasted sesame seeds or pine nuts or pumpkin seeds (optional), for garnish

Method
1. To make crispy basil leaves for garnish: Heat oil in a wok, add in basil leaves and chilli and fry until crispy. Drain well on kitchen paper and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over medium heat and stir fry the pumpkin for 3 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok. Add the garlic or ginger and fry till fragrant.
4. Throw in the basil leaves and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice and season with light soy sauce, salt and pepper. Fry about 2 minutes or until rice is heated through. Sprinkle with some water if it is too dry. Add in the pumpkin.
5. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, garnish with crispy basil leaves and serve hot.

Tip
1. Rice for frying must be cooked at least 2 hours in advance or the night before.