Hearty Pumpkin Stew: A Cozy, One-Pot Campfire Meal for Fall

There’s something about the crisp fall air and the crackling of a campfire that makes comfort food taste even better. This hearty pumpkin stew, full of seasonal vegetables and warming spices, is the perfect meal for chilly autumn nights spent outdoors or in the comfort of your home. With a base of pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots, this one-pot meal is both nourishing and filling. Whether you cook it over a campfire or in a Dutch oven at home, this stew brings the cozy flavors of fall to life.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small pumpkin (or butternut squash), peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 large carrots, sliced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or beef/chicken broth for non-vegan version)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lb sausage or ground beef (optional for non-vegans)

• 1 can (14 oz) white beans or chickpeas (for vegan version or to add extra heartiness)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Campfire or Heat Source

If you're cooking outdoors, start your campfire and get the coals going. For indoor cooking, heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat on the stovetop.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add olive oil to the pot and heat it until shimmering. Toss in the diced onions, garlic, and sausage (if using) and sauté until the onions are soft and the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes. For a vegan version, skip the meat and go straight to sautéing the onions and garlic.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Spices

Next, add the cubed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices, letting the flavors blend for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Stir in Beans or Meat

If you’re making the vegan version, stir in the white beans or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. If using pre-cooked sausage or ground beef, add it back into the stew to heat through.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Campfire Cooking Tips:

• Cook Over Coals: For even cooking, place the Dutch oven over hot campfire coals rather than direct flames. This will help prevent burning and ensure the stew cooks evenly.

• Make Ahead: If you’re going camping, you can make the stew at home, let it cool, and store it in a sealed container. Simply reheat it over the campfire in a pot for a quick, warm meal.

• Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven is your best friend for campfire cooking. Its heavy cast-iron construction ensures even heat distribution and gives the stew a rich, slow-cooked flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Meat Lovers: Add in cooked sausage, ground beef, or even diced chicken to make the stew heartier.

• Vegan Version: Omit the meat and add chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost. You can also add tofu or tempeh for extra texture.

• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in any other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, or kale, for more flavor and nutrition.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your stew.

Conclusion:

Embrace the flavors of fall with this cozy, one-pot pumpkin stew, perfect for those crisp nights spent around a campfire or simply enjoying the cooler weather at home. Full of seasonal veggies and warming spices, this dish is versatile, hearty, and sure to become a fall favorite. Whether you’re camping or cooking indoors, this recipe brings a little autumn comfort to your table.

Enjoy the warmth and richness of this simple yet satisfying meal, and let it fuel your fall adventures!

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