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As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to comfort the soul. The Spiced Pumpkin Chickpea Stew with Coconut is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of fall and winter cooking, offering a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients. This stew marries the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the creaminess of coconut milk and the satisfying texture of chickpeas, creating a harmonious dish that is both filling and nutritious.

Spiced Pumpkin Chickpea Stew with Coconut

Warm up this season with a comforting bowl of Spiced Pumpkin Chickpea Stew with Coconut. This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the creaminess of coconut milk, and the satisfying texture of chickpeas, making it both filling and nutritious. Perfect for chilly evenings, it's simple to prepare in under an hour using pantry staples. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it's a wholesome choice for everyone, from vegans to meat-lovers. Enjoy a cozy meal that nourishes the body and soul!

Ingredients
  

1 medium pumpkin (approximately 3-4 pounds), peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 can (14 oz) creamy coconut milk

1 large onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or substitute with brown sugar)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, for garnish

Juice of 1 lime, freshly squeezed

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pumpkin: Begin by peeling the pumpkin and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Ensure all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. Set the cubed pumpkin aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Once the onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic.

      Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon. Allow the spices to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast them gently. This will enhance their flavors and aromas.

        Combine Ingredients: Incorporate the cubed pumpkin and the rinsed chickpeas into the pot. Gently stir to coat the pumpkin and chickpeas with the aromatic spice mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

          Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness; the pumpkin should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

            Incorporate Coconut Milk: After the pumpkin is tender, stir in the creamy coconut milk and the maple syrup. Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.

              Finishing Touches: Remove the pot from the heat and delicately stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. Taste the stew one last time and adjust seasoning as needed.

                Serve: Ladle the warm, hearty stew into bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves. For a comforting meal, serve the stew alongside crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 4