Ugandan Pumpkin and Lentil Stew
A comforting and nutritious vegetarian stew featuring the sweetness of pumpkin balanced with earthy lentils and aromatic spices. This dish is a wholesome meal, perfect for a chilly evening.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pumpkin(peeled, deseeded, and cubed)
- 1 cup Red lentils(rinsed)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon Coriander(ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the tomatoes begin to break down.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Add the cubed pumpkin and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pumpkin and lentils are submerged in the broth. - 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and the lentils are cooked through.
⏱️ 30 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water. - 6
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - 7
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt.
💡 Tip: This stew pairs well with rice, millet, or a side of chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the pumpkin against the side of the pot.
- ✓Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- ✓This stew is excellent for meal prepping as it stores and reheats well.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter at the end for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.