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RCI-SP.003.0072.001

Three Sisters Stew

The Three Sisters Stew is a traditional and contemporary Native American dish. The dish includes the

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings4
Difficultyadvanced

Ingredients

  • pumpkin or 1 large butternut or carnival squash (about 2 pounds)
    1 small
  • olive oil
    1 tablespoon
  • onion
    chopped
    1 medium
  • garlic
    minced
    2 cloves
  • green or red bell pepper
    cut into short, narrow strips
    1/2 medium
  • can diced tomatoes
    with liquid
    14 to 16 ounce
  • cooked or canned pinto beans
    2 cups
  • corn kernels (from 2 large or medium ears)
    2 cups
  • water or home made vegetable stock
    1 cup
  • fresh hot chiles
    seeded and minced
    1 or 2 unit
  • each: ground cumin
    dried oregano
    1 teaspoon
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
    to taste
    1 unit
  • fresh cilantro
    minced
    3 to 4 tablespoons

Method

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2
Cut the pumpkin or squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and fibers. Cover with aluminum foil and place the halves, cut side up, in a foil-lined shallow baking pan.
3
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife but still firm (if using squash, prepare the same way). When cool enough to handle, scoop out the pulp, and cut into large dice. Set aside until needed.
4
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.
5
Add the pumpkin and all the remaining ingredients except the last 2 and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently, covered, until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6
If time allows, let the stew stand for 1 to 2 hours before serving, then heat through as needed. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. The stew should be thick and very moist but not soupy; add additional stock or water if needed. Serve in shallow bowls.