Title: Corn, Bean & Pumpkin Stew
Categories: Soup Vegetable
Yield: 1 Servings

1	c	Pinto beans, soaked
		Overnight and drained
	x	Salt
1	lb	Tomatoes, fresh or canned,
		Peeled, seeded, and chipped,
		Juice
		Reserved [peeled and seeded?
		Yea, right.]
3		Ears corn (about 1 1/2 C
		Kernels)
1	ts	Cumin seeds
1	ts	Oregano
1		Inch piece of cinnamon
3		Cloves
1	lg	Onion, cut into a medium
		Dice
2		Cloves garlic, finely
		Chopped
1	tb	Paprika
2	c	Bean broth or stock [if you
		Make the stock yourself, she
		Suggests
		One made with carrots,
		Zucchini, onion, potato,
		Parsley, garlic,
		Cinnamon, cloves, coriander
		Seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom
		Pods, and
		Salt ]
3	c	Pumpkin or winter squash,
		Peeled and cut into 1 inch
		Cubes
2		Serrano chilies, seeded and
		Finely chopped [or to make
		It hotter
		Without adding chili powder,
		Leave in the seeds]
	x	Cilantro or parsley,
		Chopped, for garnish

Cook the beans in water and 1/2 t salt for about 1.5 hrs or until beans are tender. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.

Warm a small heavy skillet and toast the cumin seeds until their fragrance emerges; then add the oregano, stir for 5 seconds, and quickly transfer the spices to a plate or bowl so they don't burn. Combine them with the cinnamon and the cloves, and grind to a powder in an electric spice mill.

Heat a wide skilled [with water or some sauteing liquid] and saute the onion briskly over high heat for 1 minute; then lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic, the spices, the paprika, and 1 t salt. Stir well to combine; then add 1/2 C reserved bean broth or stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft. Next add the tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Then add the pumpkin or winter squash along with another C of bean broth or stock. After 20 to 30 minutes, or when the pumpkin is about half-cooked -- soft but still too firm to eat -- add the corn, the beans, and the fresh chilies. Thin with the reserved tomato juice, adding more broth or stock as necessary. Cook until the pumpkin is tender. Check the seasoning, and add more salt if necessary. Serve garnished with the chopped cilantro or parsley.

Even though there is corn in the stew, corn bread or tortillas make a good accompaniment.

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