Armenian Ghapama Recipe - Stuffed Pumpkin Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 medium sugar pumpkin (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped (for garnish)