Add some new appeal to your typical weeknight dinner with this easy-to-make pumpkin enhanced side dish. The pumpkin easily blends in with the brown rice and vegetables for additional nutrition, moistness and eye-appeal.

Pumpkin Confetti Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cups frozen mixed vegetable blend

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 (14-ounce) can vegetable broth

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cups uncooked instant brown rice

1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft. Add vegetables, pumpkin, broth, water and thyme. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in rice, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; let stand for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork before serving.

Makes 10 (1/2 cup) servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/10 of recipe): Calories: 120 Calories from Fat: 20 Total Fat: 2 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 170 mg Carbohydrates: 21 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Sugars: 1 g Protein: 3 g

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.