Pumpkin Lentil Stew

I'm hosting an Autumn Housewarming Party, and you're invited!

Where: my blog

When: right now

Why: because I said so

On the menu: Pumpkin Lentil VeggieMadnessIMeanSTEW

I recently read Erica's adapted recipe for Pumpkin, Bean & Veggie Soup and thought it sounded mighty fine indeed. I also loved the fact that it seemed ideal for yet further adaptation! As long as you have yourself some pumpkin, you're good to go with just about whatever vegetables, herbs/spices and beans that suit you.

As you can see, my own adaptation of this recipe (originally a Libby's recipe) came out much more like a stew than a soup, and I loved that about it! No need for watery soups when all I want is some sticktoyourribbishness. Poured overtop a baked sweet potato, this is pretty much just comfort food at its simplest.

Pumpkin Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 clove garlic, diced
• handful green onion shoots, chopped (optional)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced veggies of your choice (I just used some leftover frozen mixed veggies)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• hearty dash of your fave seasoning, like Goya Adobo, Emeril's, whatever you like
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup green lentils

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and saute garlic, any onions and bell pepper until softened a bit.
2. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, 30 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.

I got 3 servings from this amount, but that's because I only used about a cup's worth over the sweet potato for a meal. I have two hearty bowls leftover to eat on their own. However, I could stretch it more if I bulk it up with more baked sweet potatoes and whatnot. I'll have to see what the farmer's market has to offer me tomorrow!

If you are inclined towards the spicy, I recommend topping this with hot sauce! That plus a little fresh ground pepper and sea salt jazzed the whole thing up. Not that it needed it, of course. ;) I'm just heavy-handed with the strong-flavored stuff. Can't imagine where I got that (coughDADcough)...

Anyhoo, I left the recipe a little vague on purpose. What would YOU choose to go in your pumpkin stew? Veggies? Beans? Herbs? Spices?