In Char’s Kitchen ~ Season 3 Episode 3: Curried Pumpkin Slow Cooker Stew and Berry Explosion ‘Ice Cream’
Curried Pumpkin Slow Cooker Stew
Vegan comfort food at its finest. Note: if your husband is like mine, and panics as the word ‘vegan’ don’t mention there’s no meat – this stew is so hearty and delicious he won’t even ask ‘Where’s the beef?”
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet potato, chopped in cubes (well washed, leave skin on)
1 cup (250 mL) pure pumpkin puree
1 (540 mL) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (400 mL) full fat coconut milk
1 tbsp (15 mL) curry powder
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
½ tsp (2 mL) each ground cinnamon and ground ginger
¼ tsp (1 mL) each ground nutmeg and chill flakes
1 apple, cored and chopped (leave skin on)
4 cups (1 L) lightly packed baby spinach leaves
Garnish
½ cup (125 mL) each chopped green onion and roughly chopped fresh mint
¼ cup (60 mL) roughly chopped peanuts or cashews
Place chopped onion, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, chickpeas, coconut milk and spices in a slow cooker. Stir until combined. Cover and cook on high heat for 4 hours. Stir in apple and spinach and cook, covered, for an additional 15 minutes.
Garnish each portion evenly with green onions, fresh mint and peanuts. Makes about 8 cups (2 L).
Tip: ~ add ⅓ cup (75 mL) of raisins or dried cranberries instead of diced apple.
Berry Explosion ‘Ice Cream’
3 cups (750 mL) frozen mixed berries
1 cup (250 mL) coconut yogurt (or full fat Greek style yogurt if you’re not vegan)
1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp (2 mL) coconut extract *optional
pinch salt
Place berries in a bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until berries are roughly chopped. Add remaining ingredients and pulse (scrapping down sides of bowl when needed) until mixture is well combined and resembles soft serve ice cream. Serve immediately. Makes about 3 cups (750 mL).
Tip ~ for added sweetness add 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup to food processor while blending
All things pumpkin spice
Charmaine is the host of “In Char’s Kitchen” , ‘In Char’s Kitchen Quarantine Edition’ & ‘In Char’s Kitchen Fitness Edition’ on YourTV Muskoka and regular guest on: Rogers IN Studio, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live and Breakfast Television sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and fitness.
Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two young adults; Tyler & Colgan.
Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.
Follow Charmaine on:
Instagram: Charmaine_Broughton
Facebook: Charmaine Broughton
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