Instructions: * [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.]

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 dont 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.

NOTES : You didnt ask for any soup recipes, but this is great. Ive fixed this for the last three years for Thanksgiving. Its from the the original and Eileens simplification. I actually do a combination of the two. Ive made it with pumpkin and with butternut. Both are good; butternut is a bit sweeter. Its a wonderful autumn soup.

"A delicious and healthful combination of ingredients make up this homey autumnal stew. Make it hotter, if you like, with ground ancho chilies or chili powder."

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