HookedOnPlants

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stew

Japanese Pumpkin Lentil Curry Stew

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T’is the time of the year for hearty bowls of flavourful ingredients…Today, in the form of this nutrient-dense Japanese Pumpkin Lentil Curry.

There’s just something about the words ‘pumpkin’ and ‘curry’ that causes the mouth to water and the comforting vibes to shine.

Oil-free.

Ridiculously simple.

Minimal ingredients.

Lots of benefits.

If you’re wondering what a ‘Japanese Pumpkin’ might be…it’s a Kabocha Squash!

Same, same.

I love love love Kabocha. It’s packed with vitamin A and C, with some B’s in there too. Meaning your eyes, immunity and nerves will all benefit from this sweet pumpkin!

Read on for the easiest way to cook up squash.

This recipe makes a lot, but you could even double it and freeze half to be ready for a stress-free, last minute dinner in that future of yours!


Japanese Pumpkin Red Lentil Curry Stew
 
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A comforting stew, packed with nutrients, flavour and heartiness. Ready for that rustic baguette and hungry people!
Author:
Recipe type: stew, dinner, lunch
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 Japanese pumpkin (kabocha squash), halved with seeds scooped out
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 white or cremini mushrooms, diced or sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small jar of green or red curry paste (used Thai Kitchen curry)
  • 1 can light coconut milk (use the liquid too)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or 1 veggie bouillon cube mixed with 2 cups water)
  • 2 cups dry red lentils
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped

  • To serve:
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Peanuts
  • Brown Rice or Quinoa as the base
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F
  2. While it's pre-heating, chop your veggies.
  3. Place the halved, de-seeded squash flesh-side down on a parchment covered or a re-usable baking sheet covered pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  4. Oil-free sauté the first ingredients by heating your pot to medium heat, then adding the onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Let these sizzle for a few minutes, then de-glaze (un-stick) with a couple tablespoons of water. Continue to do this for about 7 minutes, de-glazing a few times as needed.
  5. To the pot, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and full jar of curry paste. Mix and let sauté a few minutes.
  6. Then add the full can of coconut milk, 2 cups of veggie broth and 2 cups of red lentils.
  7. Mix, bring to a boil, then let simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. Add chopped spinach.
  9. When the Kabocha Squash is done, flip the halves over to let cool for a few minutes, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mix it into the stew.
  10. Serve it up! On a bed of quinoa or brown rice with cilantro and peanuts on top!
Notes
*Didn't include cooking time or instructions for grain to serve it on. Pre-cooked quinoa, rice, or wheat berries are great!

Tag @hookedonplants if you make this! I love seeing your creations.

For more inspiration and info on eating plant-based, sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

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Curried Cauliflower Potato Stew | Oil-free, GF, Vegan

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Stew season is upon us, and this curried cauliflower potato stew is all that a stew should be.

Comforting, chunky, thick, warming, and nutritious.

If you think cauliflower and potatoes are BORING…

… well, let me tell you, this recipe takes them from ‘meh’ to ‘gourmeh’!

There are a few reasons why you and stew should get cozy. It…

  • warms the soul (proven fact)
  • has to be one of the best ways to get in a ton of veggie noots (aka nutrients)
  • it’s your creativity’s best friend being super crazy versatile
  • gives your home an aroma that feels like a big, comfy blanket
  • goes alarmingly well with warm, rustic sourdough
  • is a perfect canvas to sprinkle some of this smokey parm all over
  • gives you reason to get yourself some Eve’s Crackers (stew + crackers  = winning)

This combo of potato + cauli with the curry, blended just enough to keep some satisfying chunky texture, is a go-to around here!

Not to mention, this would round out the Thanksgiving table real nice!

I always grab a few organic cauliflowers when it’s on sale at Spud.ca (use CRVAN-MURJUB for a discount at the checkout) and potatoes are always a staple (thanks Pemberton).

Grab a loaf, simmer this up and enjoy.


Curried Cauliflower Potato Stew
 
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A stew just in time for the crisp fall air. This cauli-potato combo is so satisfying, and the curry gives it a delicious depth of flavour. Add some of my smokey vegan parmesano to this and we have a winner.
Author:
Recipe type: stew, dinner, comfort food
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 5-8 white mushrooms, diced
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, chopped
  • 1 small jar red or green curry paste, (I used this Thai one)
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
  • 8 medium potatoes (I used new potatoes), roughly chopped
  • 6-8 cups veggie broth
Instructions
  1. Oil-free sauté onions until translucent (turn on pan to medium heat, add onions, let sizzle a minute, then add ¼ cup veggie broth or water to de-glaze, sauté a few more minute, adding more water if it's sticking too much!)
  2. Add garlic, paprika, cumin, ginger, celery and carrots, and curry paste. Let sauté 5 minutes, adding veggie broth as you go (about 2 tbsp at a time to de-glaze)
  3. Add cauliflower, potatoes, and enough veggie broth to just cover the veggies.
  4. Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer for at least 40 minutes (or longer).
  5. Blend the stew until desired consistency (I like to leave some chunks for texture!). I do this in two loads in my blender.
  6. Serve with crackers or your fave bread, sprinkled with smokey parm!

Tag me if you make this! (@hookedonplants on instagram)

I love seeing your recipes.

… and if you want more:

Sign up to my emails for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free PDF on How to Get Hooked On Plants!

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Turmeric Butternut Squash Chickpea Stew

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Stew, Soup and Chili ~ 3 of the many reasons I love Fall.

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Add in some torn rustic bread plus cashew ‘parmesan’, and you have yourself Fall in food-form.

This stew features my favourite squash. Butternut. Just saying the name makes me drool.

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This week has been all about moving house. So cooking up a batch of this comforting, nourishing, warming pot of goodness that will last for a week was much needed. Who has time to cook every night when you’ve got walls to paint, boxes to unpack, bed frames to build, lights to put in, house tours to do and clothes to get rid of? So yes, this stew is perfect for a busy week.

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And be prepared to have a kitchen that smells better than your mom’s cookin’.

You could make a big batch and have a dinner party, or keep it for yourself as left overs in the fridge. The flavours will become better buds by the day as they chill together in the fridge.

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The one, two, three, fours of cutting up your butternut squash. Cut, empty, peel, chop.

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Benefits:

Butternut Squash is low in fat and high in fibre. This is the perfect combination for longevity and heart health. It’s also packed with potassium (bone health), and vitamin B6 (nervous system functioning). Now is the time to eat squash and pumpkins! Eating local and seasonal is the most nutrient-dense way to go.

Turmeric is incredibly anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the precursor of disease, so keep this at bay by eating your turmeric! It’s also known to help depression and ward off cancer. It’s bright orange colour is packed with vitamin C. If you can get your hands on the turmeric root, do it! Fresh is best. Make sure you add in the pepper to help your body absorb the turmeric and experience all of the amazing benefits of this little orange root.

Chickpeas like all legumes and beans are packed with easily-digestible plant protein, low in fat, and high in complex carbs. They’ve got antioxidants like selenium to enhance the immune system and they’re high in manganese, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium to help with bone health.

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Serves 6-8

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cm long thumb of fresh turmeric, grated (or 2 tsp turmeric powder)
  • 1 tbsp curry spice (or curry paste)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (himalayan is best)
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 5 cups)
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 cups coconut milk  (out of a carton, not a full fat can)
  • 1 small can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4-5 kale leaves, stemmed and roughly chopped

Cashew Parmesan:

  • 1/2 cup cashews (or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

  1. Sweat the onions, carrot and celery with a splash of water in a deep pot for a few minutes (until onions are translucent).
  2. Add in garlic, spices, salt and turmeric. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add in butternut squash, stir for a minute to coat.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk, then bring to a boil.
  5. Stir, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until you can poke through the squash with a fork.
  6. Make cashew parmesan while you wait. Blend all ingredients together in food processor (mini processor is best) or high-speed blender until a parmesan consistency is achieved. If it gets stuck at the bottom of your machine, just double the recipe! You can store in a fridge for a few weeks.
  7. Ladle half of the stew into a blender and blend until smooth.
  8. Pour blended stew back into pot, then add chickpeas and kale.
  9. Let simmer another 2 minutes, et voila!
  10. Serve in your favourite bowl with warm bread on the side and cashew parmesan on top.
  11. YUM IN THE TUM