Peanut butter and pumpkin take center stage in this deliciously rich, hearty, and flavorful Chicken, Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Stew.
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How this recipe came to be:
The day I made this stew I was a bit like a mad scientist in his lab. While I had a general idea of where I wanted to go with this stew, I didn't know what I was actually going to do, and add, until I got to tasting and testing.
Presentation is everything!
I've always wanted to present a dish inside a pumpkin because it looks so festive.
For clarity, I didn't actually cook the stew inside the pumpkin. I cooked it on the stovetop and then ladled it into a roasted pumpkin for presentation's sake.
However, you could surely heat it up inside the pumpkin if you wanted to. That said a regular bowl works just as well for serving this delicious peanut butter-inspired soup. No pumpkin bowl is needed. 🙂
Why this recipe works
What I love the most about this peanut butter and chicken stew is that even though there is a lot going on as far as flavors and textures, it all works. And the peanut butter is certainly the star of the dish (as it should be)!
Can this stew be made vegetarian?
I've added chicken for my meat-loving family, but this could easily be made into a meatless meal (swap out vegetable broth for the chicken broth) that would satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
The inspiration:
My inspiration for this recipe comes loosely from an African Chicken Peanut Stew recipe I found on simplyrecipes.com but from there I tweaked and worked it to make it my own.
Where it needed a little bite, I added some cider vinegar.
Where it needed a little sweetness, I added apple cider and brown sugar.
Where it needed a little smokey heat, I added some smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne.
Then, because it's pumpkin season I added in some canned pumpkin purée and spooned the completed stew into a roasted pumpkin for a little seasonal presentation flair.
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Chicken, Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Stew
Ingredients
For the pumpkin tureens (optional):
- 1 each small roasted pie pumpkin (per person) for serving, optional
For the stew:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size chunks, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil divided
- 1 large sweet onion chopped
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- pinch cayenne or to taste
- 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups (1 quart) chicken stock I used low-sodium
- 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup peanut butter I used a natural, chunky style
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- Chopped fresh cilantro to garnish
Instructions
To make the pumpkin tureens (optional):
- -Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)
- -Cut to cap off the pumpkin. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the seeds and pulp from the inside of the pumpkin.
- -Place the pumpkin onto a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- -Remove and cool.
To make the stew:
- -Brown the chicken in the oil on all sides. Remove. Stir in the onions and sweet potatoes. Sauté to soften.
- -Stir in the spices and seasonings.
- -Stir in the pumpkin, peanut butter, apple cider, and browned chicken.
- -Carefully add the chicken stock and stir until incorporated and thickened.
- -Ladle the stew into each roasted pumpkin.
- -Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy today's recipe for Chicken, Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Stew as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Melissa Bailey says
I've always loved that presentation and I dream of the day I can put together a wonderful dinner party and do it. Your stew would be a great recipe to serve!
Pam says
What an original recipe and love combination of flavors
Liz Berg says
Such a terrific presentation for a pumpkin stew! And adding peanut butter was such a fun twist!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
What a beautiful presentation and that stew sounds scrumptious!
Kim Bee says
This is seriously spectacular. I cannot get over how pretty this stew is. The presentation is out of this world.
Nikki @ Nik Snacks says
I bet the peanut butter makes your stew SO rich! What a nice addition! And I love your hand tattoo 🙂 I have a huge whisk with wihpped cream on the end on my forearm. Food tats are the best tats xo
Back for Seconds says
I am all about peanut butter and pumpkin together. This looks incredible!!!
Souffle Bombay says
What an interesting combination. I want to try this! Presentation is so festive!
Cookin' Canuck says
I've made an African peanut pumpkin stew in the past and it quickly became one of my family's favorites. I love that you served it in little pumpkins!
german in pdx says
What a beautiful presentation and amazing stew. It looks mouthwatering! ~ Bea @ The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Jacklyn Meyer says
This pumpkin bowl for serving is GENIUS. This sounds like the perfect soup for fall!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
HOly perfect!! Love the use of peanut butter here!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
That's just the most gorgeous presentation I've every seen for pumpkin soup! Love it!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
What a lovely presentation, Renee! very different way to use peanut butter!
Lindsay Eidahl says
The presentation of this is way too pretty to eat! It looks amazing! Love it in the pumpkin!
Joy says
This sounds so hearty and delicious! I love the presentation in the pumpkin. So pretty!
Tara says
Looks delicious; love the presentation! Such a perfect recipe for Autumn.
Kelster says
I love that African Peanut Chicken stew and I love cubes of pumpkin in my soups. This means that I would LOVE this. My mother is visiting me in a couple weeks and I think this will be one of the dishes that I make for us.
Stacy Rushton says
I've always wanted to serve something in a pumpkin too, Reneé. How gorgeous it turned out and I love the flavors in your stew.
Camilla Mann says
Always impeccable presentation, Renee...and delicious-looking recipe. I might just have to make this this weekend.
Wendy Klik says
What a perfect fall meal. Thanks for sharing.
Rebekah Hills says
Oh my - Renee that is gorgeous and sounds so WONDERFUL!! I seriously need to make this recipe - soon... my hubby dislikes soups / stews most of the time but I think he can suffer through just this once. 😀