Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sweet and savory pumpkin stew simmered with warm Ethiopian spices, perfect as a comforting vegan dish. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs pumpkin (duba), peeled and diced, medium, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh or olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat until hot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp berbere spice mix and 1 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute to combine and toast spices.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups peeled and diced pumpkin, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until pumpkin is tender and stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning as needed, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pumpkin Duba Stew with Ethiopian Spices vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.