Witch's Brew Pumpkin Stew
This recipe crafts a comforting and richly spiced pumpkin stew, featuring creamy coconut milk and a hint of maple syrup. It's a vibrant, warming, and flavorful vegan dish, perfect for a cozy meal, and elegantly finished with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
Main
- 2 medium yellow onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 6 cups mashed cooked fresh pumpkins (or three 15-ounce cans unsweetened pumpkin purée)
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 15- ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk
- Up to 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Sea salt to taste
- Pinch of cayenne optional
- 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Chop the yellow onions and mince the garlic.
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, curry powder, and ground coriander, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the mashed cooked pumpkin (or canned purée), vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the lid and stir in the maple syrup, sea salt, and optional pinch of cayenne pepper, adjusting to your taste.
- Continue to simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew reaches your desired consistency and the flavors are fully developed.
- Serve the Witch's Brew Pumpkin Stew hot, garnished generously with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Notes
1. For a richer flavor, ensure you sauté the onions until they are deeply softened and translucent, even slightly caramelized, before adding the garlic and spices. This builds a foundational sweetness. 2. Blooming the dry spices (curry powder, coriander, red pepper flakes) in the hot olive oil with the aromatics helps release their full fragrance and deepen the stew's complexity. 3. Adjust the maple syrup and salt judiciously at the end to achieve a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. A pinch of cayenne can elevate the warmth without making it overtly hot. 4. If using fresh pumpkin, ensure it's cooked until fork-tender and then thoroughly mashed or puréed for a smooth consistency. 5. The toasted pumpkin seeds are not merely a garnish; they provide a crucial textural contrast and nutty finish, so don't skip them.