Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Place the pumpkins on a cookie sheet. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 20 minutes. 

Remove from the oven and let cool. Cut off the tops and scoop out the seeds, creating a bowl for the rice mixture.

Soak the cherries in the boiling water.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add the onion; cook until softened. Add the rice, stirring until coated with the oil. Add as much water as directed on the package. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes or until the rice is almost finished cooking.

Add the soaked cherries with about one cup of the water they were soaking in. Cook until the rice is completely tender. Stir in the scallions and lemon zest.

Fill the pumpkin cavities with the rice mixture. Rewarm all together on a cookie sheet, or serve at room temperature.