While the autumn months in Hawaii aren’t too chilly, we can still enjoy pumpkin and other flavors of fall. Our pumpkin stew recipe is a simple one-pot dinner that’s great for weeknights. It’s also ideal for meal prep or potlucks. Best of all, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen since prep is quick and cleanup is a breeze. Cozy, warm, and pumpkin-y: It’s the perfect hearty meal for fall!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef (we used plant-based ground meat)
- 3 cups broth (we used chicken)
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1 15-oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 medium bay leaves
- 2 Tbsp. dried basil
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- ⅔ cup full fat coconut milk
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until the onions are soft and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground meat to the pot and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the rest of the ingredients except kale and coconut milk. Heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
Add the kale and coconut milk. Simmer until kale is wilted. Remove from heat and serve. Makes 6 servings.
Pumpkin fest
It might be warm year-round here in Hawaii, but once September rolls around, there’s no denying it: Pumpkin season is here! From low-calorie desserts to savory curries, check out the recipes below for more pumpkin inspiration in the kitchen:
baked kabocha fries
Replace potato fries with baked kobocha (Japanese pumpkin) fries. They’re a healthier side dish that’s rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, iron, and some B vitamins. Leaving the skin on your kabocha when roasting crisps it to perfection. We made these as part of our fish and chips local style dish.
guilt-free pumpkin pie parfait
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you’re in charge of bringing the pumpkin pie to Thanksgiving this year, consider this parfait instead! It’s sweet, refreshing, and easy to make. And it’s lighter than traditional pumpkin pie as it doesn’t include eggs or butter.
healthier party mix (with pumpkin seeds)
Whether sweet or savory, a party mix of seasoned cereals, nuts, and pretzels is a favorite holiday snack. While the mix of ingredients varies according to personal taste, many recipes call for butter or sugar. Here’s a heart-healthy recipe made with olive oil, herbs, and no added salt.
no-bake pumpkin cheesecake
A cheesecake you don’t have to bake? Sign us up! We recommend making this dessert the night before you serve it because letting it set overnight makes the cheesecake even firmer and full of pumpkin-y goodness.
pantry-friendly pumpkin curry
This plant-based pumpkin curry uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! Don’t want a strong kick? Skip the chili pepper. You’ll still have a nice amount of heat from the ground cayenne pepper that isn’t overpowering. Best of all, this recipe comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
pumpkin fluff
Want the flavor of pumpkin pie but don’t want all of its calories? Pumpkin fluff may be your new favorite go-to dessert. Enjoy with graham crackers, between two oatmeal cookies, or in a trifle – the possibilities are endless!
pumpkin oat muffins
Pumpkin fanatics can indulge in this muffin that boasts the added goodness of old-fashioned oats and an enticing streusel topping. It’s good enough to make all year long, not just during pumpkin season!
