pumpkin and root vegetable stew

How to make pumpkin and root vegetable stew recipe

Serves 8–10

Preparation time 20 minutes, Cooking time 1½–2 hours

Ingredients:
1 pumpkin, about 1.5 kg (3 lb)
4 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small red chilli, deseeded and chopped
4 celery sticks, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) lengths
500 g (1 lb) carrots, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces
250 g (8 oz) parsnips, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces
2 x 400g (13 oz) cans plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato purée
1–2 tablespoons hot paprika
250 ml (8 fl oz) vegetable stock
1 bouquet garni
2 x 400 g (13 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained
salt and pepper
3–4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, to garnish

Method:
Slice the pumpkin in half and discard the seeds and fibres. Cut the flesh into cubes, removing the skin. You should have about 1 kg (2 lb) pumpkin flesh.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the onion, garlic and chilli and fry until softened but not coloured. Add the pumpkin and celery and fry gently for 10 minutes.

Stir in the carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, tomato purée, paprika, stock and bouquet garni. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 1–1½ hours or until the vegetables are almost tender.

Add the beans and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve with crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes. This stew improves with reheating.

For pumpkin goulash, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan and fry 1 chopped onion until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon paprika and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds and cook for 1 minute.

Add a 400 g (13 oz) can chopped tomatoes and 2 tablespoons soft dark brown sugar and bring to the boil.

Add 375 g (12 oz) thickly sliced pumpkin, 250 g (8 oz) diced potatoes, a large sliced carrot and 1 deseeded and chopped red pepper. Season, cover and bring to the boil, then simmer for 1–1½ hours. To serve, stir in 150 ml (¼ pint) low-fat soured cream.

pumpkin and root vegetable stew