Ugandan Pumpkin and Groundnut Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of groundnuts (peanuts). This dish is a staple in many Ugandan households, often served with starches like matoke, sweet potatoes, or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pumpkin(peeled, deseeded, and cubed)
- 200 g Roasted groundnuts (peanuts)(or smooth peanut butter)
- 2 medium Onion(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(ripe, chopped)
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet chili pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Curry powder(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using whole roasted groundnuts, pound them into a fine pulp with a little water. If using peanut butter, skip this step.
💡 Tip: A mortar and pestle can be used for authentic texture. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, scotch bonnet chili pepper (if using), and curry powder (if using). Cook until the tomatoes have broken down and formed a sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot. Stir well to coat the pumpkin with the tomato mixture.
💡 Tip: Ensure all pumpkin pieces are coated for even cooking. - 6
Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add the groundnut pulp or peanut butter. Stir until well combined.
💡 Tip: If using peanut butter, ensure it's fully incorporated to avoid lumps. - 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
- 8
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The stew should thicken as it cooks. If it becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
💡 Tip: The stew is ready when the pumpkin is easily pierced with a fork and the sauce has a rich consistency. - 9
Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by matoke, sweet potatoes, rice, or posho.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can blend some of the cooked pumpkin before serving.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Ensure you use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor base.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- Include small pieces of chicken or beef for a non-vegetarian version.
- A touch of honey or brown sugar can enhance the sweetness of the pumpkin.