This russian pumpkin-rice casserole recipe, or tykvy ris zapekanka, is also known as pumpkin-rice porridge or risovaya kasha s tykvoy. In russian. The word kasha refers to any cooked grain or cereal. The most popular kashas are made with buckwheat, millet, semolina, oats, barley, and rice. In the u. S. , "Kasha" Refers to toasted buckwheat groats which are often used in jewish cooking as a stuffing in knishes and other recipes, and in the popular dish known as kasha varnishkes. Although traditionally served as a side dish, it could be served as a warm dessert (after all, pumpkins and other squash are fruits, not vegetables) if you amp up the sugar, similar to a pumpkin rice pudding or custard. This would make a great centerpiece for any autumn-themed dinner since it is baked in a hollowed-out pumpkin shell (although it will bake fine in a casserole dish, too).
