Loading

2.16.2011

Mexican Pumpkin and Turkey Sausage and Shredded Chicken Stew [Low Carb][Paleo]

Cindalou's is hitting the road (hoping it isn't still iced over on our killer mountain driveway!) with a spicy low carb stew to warm even the coldest of frozen toes and fingers. It's Mexican theme at girls' night this weekend and I wanted to bring something with a little variety. For a small handful of ladies, there are enough Mexican dishes already there to feed a small Army... or a large one. All the classic Mex entrees and sides are already taken- beans, guacamole, taco salad, chalupas, quesadillas, flan, dips, and chips galore! I thought something a little different would be nice. Well, that and the fact that the hubby just bought a case of organic canned plain pumpkin from an Amazon deal last month! That's a whole lotta pumpkin for two. My stew is a variation on a common Tex-Mex pumpkin chowder, but I omit the high glycemic corn and use low carb substitutes with much more nutrition.


As you recall, pumpkin is a great low carb winter "superfood," packed with Vitamin A, C, E, magnesium, iron, and a host of other minerals. One common mistake: be sure to use the plain pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie mix!

Cilantro is a fantastic herb for detoxing the body of heavy metals. It is also a great source of B vitamins, zinc, and selenium as well as a host of other vitamins and minerals. In general, dried herbs are nutritionally dense foods, though potency of certain nutrients can be lost in the drying process.

Tomatoes and salsa provide more Vitamins A and C (better than oranges, plus less sugar), and the organic coconut milk and virgin oil provide brain nourishing and metabolism boosting medium chain good fats (the MCTs). Don't fear the coconut fat, it is burned as fuel for and repairing the body, not stored like longer chain polyunsaturated fats (bad fats like soybean, corn, and peanut oils to name a few). Vitamins A, C, E and the B assortment help strengthen your immunity in these blistery wintery days. Don't reach for a pill or softgel for health either- your body knows how to assimilate and nurture itself with vitamins and minerals from real food. Those supplements have their place but shouldn't replace basic real food... hey, you can always start with a big dollop of my warm spiced up stew! :)

Note: The turkey sausage is optional for vegetarians or vegans. For a non-Paleo ("Caveman") version add black beans. I just had a pack of gluten free Andoullie turkey sausages on hand and I wanted to combine the ideas of a typical Mexican pumpkin soup with a Brunswick stew. (Brunswick stew is out for us kosher southerners who don't do pork).



2 15 oz cans organic pumpkin (not pie mix)
1 15 oz can organic coconut milk
3/4 c water (or low sodium free range organic chicken broth- adjust for your consistency preference)
1 15 oz can Rotel tomatoes, Mexican Style Lime and Cilantro OR 1 15 oz can organic fire roasted tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
1 7 oz can green chilies, drained
1/2 c. hot salsa (Kroger brand is gluten free according to the last list

1 T. organic virgin coconut oil
1 package Andoullie turkey sausage (I used Garrett Farms brand gluten and antibiotic free sausages)
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded before serving (see below)
lime juice, to taste (I usede about 1/4 c)
stevia glycerite,~ 1 T.
1 tsp organic unsulfured blackstrap molasses (great vegan source of iron and B vitamins), optional




spices:
cilantro, ~ 2 tsp
sea salt and pepper, dash each
cumin, ~ 2 tsp
cumin seed, pinch of whole seed braised with pestle and mortar
oregano, ~ 2 tsp
thyme, ~ 1 tsp
Badia curry powder (it is gluten free, I asked the company and posted the reply on Celiac Forums at the end of the thread), ~ 1 T.

garlic powder and onion powder, ~ 1 tsp each
turmeric, ~ 1 tsp
parsley, ~ 1 tsp
paprika and cayenne pepper, ~ 1 tsp each
pinch crushed red pepper flakes (for color)


optional: 1 Reynold's slow cooker liner (makes for easy clean up)*

Preparation:
Line your slow cooker with the liner if you choose to use it.* Add the coconut oil and turn to high to melt the oil and swash it around the bottom (you can also spray the cooker or liner). Add the chicken breasts to the bottom. Add the pumpkin, undrained Rotel or fire roasted tomatoes, and coconut milk. You may wish to thin the stew with either water or organic free range chicken broth. Stir to mix well, though leave the chicken on the bottom. Cook on high for 3 hours. Check the chicken breasts with a fork and shred them a bit into large shreds if you can (to preserve the texture). My breasts were still a bit raw so I did most of my shredding at the end.



Since the sausages are already precooked and I didn't want them to get mushy, I decided to wait to add them until after the chicken had cooked a bit. The sausages can be sliced into bite sized pieces now and added to the stew. Or if you prefer, the whole sausages can be fished out at the end and sliced, though that method is a bit messy. Add the rest of the ingredients: broth or water, the drained green chilies, spices, lime juice, and salsa. Stir well. Cook on low for another 3-4 hours or until chicken is fork tender and shreds easily. Adjust the lime juice and cayenne to suit your taste. You can always cook it all on high for a shorter time as long as the chicken is well cooked. Since I have the time I wanted to let the spices and flavors simmer on low for the last few hours and "marinate" rather than just throw it all in on high for shorter.

Alternative Method (The Quickie): Throw it all in and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is fork tender and shreds easily.

Shred the chicken (and slice sausages if not done previously) before serving. This goes great with some guacamole or avocado and a dollop of (nondairy) sour cream (I would use my homemade coconut milk or cultured (fermented) soymilk 'yogurt'). Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and dig in!

While this stew has a nice spice to it, feel free to experiment with spice amounts. I prefer things fiery myself :) Don't forget cayenne pepper and those healthy coconut MCTs help reduce inflammation and rev up that sluggish winter metabolism, while pumpkin and tomatoes give a low carb and low glycemic vitamin and mineral punch. Keeping up your immunity naturally and holistically with healing, warming foods and proper exercise helps balance the body. Now go run in place as hard as you can for 1 minute- burst train and stretch those lungs and achy legs! Whew, now I'm all warm and toasty!

Other add ins that would be nice are 1 c. chopped white onion and diced tri bell peppers like a frozen mix of veggies and chunks of celery and torn bits of kale. I didn't have any on hand at the time though, what a shame to miss kale!!

Note: This was not spicy enough for my taste, but a T. or so more cayenne would help.


*Note on the slow cooker liner: It does not give material but I can tell it is some form of plastic which has been apparently "approved" as food grade. I am skeptical about the liner (as well as the ceramic Crockpot) leaching into the food (acids and fats tend to degrade plastics and break them down into possibly toxic by-products like dioxins and PCBs). However since I am traveling with this whole shebang, I wanted a quick and cleaner way to transport this stew. Yes, even Cindalou up on her health soapbox chose convenience :)

Cindalou's Kitchen Blues: Healthy Celiac / Coeliac Gluten and Dairy Free Recipes

114 comments:

  1. MMMMMMM,..what a tasty & fab loking stew! I love every ingredient & flavour in here!

    I have been a fan from this tasty blog for a while now!!

    MMMMMMMMMM,..Many greets from a gf foodie from Brussels, Belgium!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This blog posts are very informative. I’ll add more examples as they come in, which I’m sure they will help full for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just found this blog and love it. I cannot wait to try some of these recipies. The flavors in this stew sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would never have thought to add pumpkin to a stew, this sounds great! Can't wait to try this out over the weekend with my wife.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm not really a cooking with pumpkin kind of girl but this looks delicious and I love using my slow cooker! (I also adore my slow cooker liners- despite how overpriced they may be.)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your recipe is suitable for those who are conscious about their weights and it is delicious! Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I found this blog very useful. Thanks for a great post, keep it in the same way. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You could also add Tekita beans, a Japanese bean.
    It adds a little twist for the taste. Just try maybe you might like it. =)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh my Cindy.... This is making me so hungry right now I can't even tell you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow...i have just been on your blog for a day. I must confess that i am already a fan. I am going to share your recipes with wife. She will love it. Thanks for for promoting healthy eating.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds amazing especially on cold days like we are having right now. Such a valuable resource for anyone doing gluten free. Thanks can't wait to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for this hot recipe. I will try this out and let you know the feedback from my family. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. OMG. that is my dream dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  14. some juicy recopies i really liked the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  15. it is indeed a mouth watering dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This looks amazing! I plan to try and will follow up here!
    Tom Patterson Band Director

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is never too late in the year for pumpkin!
    Tom Patterson Band Director

    ReplyDelete
  18. UHHH.. why didn't I eat before I so this post?) Now I have to go somewhere to eat!

    ReplyDelete
  19. We have just switched to a gluten free diet. So so glad I found your site. It all looks and sounds amazing. Thsnks so so much. Can't wait to try these.

    ReplyDelete
  20. this is such a great site. So helpful for all of us trying to be gluten free. They look so yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  21. That looks delicious. I live in the southwest and am always looking for regional recipes that have a little twist on the classics. I have some turkey sausage in the 'fridge. I think I'll try this tonight. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sounds so so yummy. Hard to find gluten free that looks and sounds this good. Cannot wait to make it for my family. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love pumpkin. My mom said that Pumpkin can help my brand to be stronger. This looks delicious, Hope i can enjoin it someday.

    ReplyDelete
  24. well, i love pumpkin, post at right time.

    ReplyDelete
  25. m m m I never eat this, now I need to go and eat this somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  26. now thats what i call mouth watering stuff...

    ReplyDelete
  27. This blog posts are very informative. I’ll add more examples as they come in, which I’m sure they will help full for your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yep, yep, yep... so delicious. I'm impressed with its special presence. Thanks. I've come back.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tell me one thing HOW DO YOU KNOW that THIS is ONE of my FAVOURITE??...LOL......Thanks for this Gonna try by YOUR way TONIGHT only.

    ReplyDelete
  30. i love pumpkins! this looks like a great recipe. thanks for sharing. =)

    ReplyDelete
  31. A healthy and delicious treat to warm up those cold nights. I live in a tropical country so finding the recipes you listed above will not be so hard. I also want to give you credit by giving us some nutritional facts on the ingredients used. I'm gonna try to prepare this dish, thanks for sharing your recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow.. I'm drooling over this dish right now.. I would have added more spice to it myself. The hotter a dish the better for me!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is a good post. I’ll have to thank the poster. Lot’s of blogs out there but only some are useful and helpful, this is one of them.Keep posting!

    ReplyDelete
  34. such a nice looking and presentable dish..its great to be here ..... thanks

    ReplyDelete
  35. The recipe is perfect for those who are concern about their weights. It is very delicious and mouthy watering food.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Did you create the pictures by yourself? Anyway I love this. I have to make my mom do this for me ha ha.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Im a personal trainer so it was interesting reading all this. Thanks for the post!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love your combination of spices. Really healthy and really tasty at the same time. Turmeric is quickly becoming a favorite spice of mine because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello Cindy!
    I'd say, if there's 'organic coconut milk', it must be good!I can almost taste the vibrant fusion of those flavors!Let's all cook wisely, serve gluten-free foods!

    ReplyDelete
  40. nice stock for my recipes collection. i love cooking and i love pumpkin, especially my mom. i usually use it as pudding, combined with the mixture of coconut milk and yolk. the yolk will soften the texture of the pudding.
    anyway, can i change the turkey with chicken? i'm from eastern, and i found it hard to get turkey.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi, I like your blog, and your writing style. I’m just getting online, and blogs like this one get me pumped to start my own. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a delicious recipe it is! I'm quite impress to know that is low carb. I really thought it is something that has cholesterol. I can't help it but my mouth waters as I am reading your post.

    ReplyDelete
  43. It looks delicious :) Thanks for the receipes

    ReplyDelete
  44. Im not usually a huge fan of pumpkin but this looks absolutely divine, cheers Cindy for the creative cooking skills you have :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Looks mint!! can't wait to have a bash at making some of it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. wow i'd like to try mexican pumpkin :p

    ReplyDelete
  47. i love palow which is dish of subcontinent i think so, thanks for sharing such tasty dishes with us.

    regards
    Adam ALfred

    ReplyDelete
  48. I've had the Tex-Mex pumpkin version of the stew. As you pointed out the gluten free and low carb will make it a lot healthier. Can't wait to try!

    ReplyDelete
  49. nice recipe, i am loving it.
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  50. hmmm nice recipe i appreciate your blog and your post and i want to req about indian recipes about biryani and qorma.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Good in looking but never try these but now I going to try it. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  52. This looks wonderful - look how colorful all those spices are. I like the idea of using the slow cooker. I love coming home to a home cooked meal. I like to pretend someone else made it for me :).

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great very useful post you have here.. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Mmmmm!!! It seems to be a delicious recipe. Pumpkin is one of my favourite vegetables ever and I love including it in every recipe I can.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow... I felt a little hungry now. If only that is easy to follow and I have all the ingredients here I'm sure I will be stuffed today... LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wow this sounds so so good. Going to try it tonight. I have two kids that need gluten free so I am so thankful I found your site. Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. These flavors sound so amazing. We are having the never ending winter here so I am going to make this for my family this week. Thanks for all the yummy ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  58. One of the best recipes and best tastes that i have ever really tried.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I think it's great that people post these recipes, as you'll see from my site, we also have an interest in food intolerance and understand that gluten intolerance and more specifically Coeliac (celiacs) have to suffer with the discomfort of these conditions on a daily basis.

    Also I might add that as most supermarkets charge a huge premium for Gluten free meals it's always better to just make it yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  60. This stew has a nice spice to it, feel free to experiment with spice amounts. I prefer things fiery myself :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. This looks very tasty and mouth watering..thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes

    ReplyDelete
  62. Mmmma!!! What a delicious stew! Great for one of those days when you want to warm your stomach with a nice home made meal.

    ReplyDelete
  63. yummy,,,,

    i gonna hungry to read this article, and now i am trying to make this recipe..

    thanks to make me hungry ;)

    ReplyDelete
  64. hhmmm... yummy. I want to try this recipe for the belated mother's day event. Want to surprise my mom. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  65. it will be more tasty if some indian spices would introduce in this recipe....i am gone to try this at home ..........thanks for sharing your recipe

    Aileen

    ReplyDelete
  66. Mmmn, that looks and sounds wonderful! Good job I'm going to the supermarket!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Your blog post rocks! Good job. Internet marketers really liked perusing the goods, it again isn't like the other entire one things which actually affects to read simple things through.

    ReplyDelete
  68. One of the best recipes.now i am trying to make this recipe at my home.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Your blog site post rocks! Good job. Online really liked perusing goods, it again isn't including the other entire one things which actually affects to read simple things simple things through.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'd like pumpkin, one of the great healthy food in my recipe list. Thanks for your sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  71. How do you shred the chicken? When I did it I just chopped it but it did not have the same effect. I never tried crockpot liners before. I stupidly bought a white ceramic one and it stains like crazy so I'm game for giving the liners a try. thank you, Frederick Sallaz

    ReplyDelete
  72. New recipes to prepare for my family and another food to be taste..... That's why my husband will go home after office because he always wanted to witness what I m preparing for a dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  73. What a delicious stew, I can't wait to taste that. You really maintain this blog in a good manner. Thanks for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thank you for sharing such relevant topic with us. I really love all the great stuff you provide. Thanks again and keep it coming.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nice recipe, it is looking very nutritious meal.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love pumpkin and I think this chicken is really tasty here. This is a great article. I am pretty much impressed with your good work. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I just wanted to say that I had found your site and tried out this recipie and it was so so wonderful. Easy to make and it was delicious. Thanks so so much.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Wow, this really sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts

    ReplyDelete
  80. Chicken stew is one of my favorites. It's my first time to hear about Mexican pumpkin but I will surely try it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Great info here to those who are weight conscious. Your post deserves to be stumbled upon which I have done ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  82. Your blog site post rocks! Good job. Nice working with every point in your blog, keep it up. Keep coming with new ideas, coming again soon

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love that you have all these tasty and free gluten free recipies up. Hope you keep it up. Going to try this one pretty soon.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Just love your site and wanted to say thank you so much. Sounds delicious and cannot wait to try it out.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love this stew. It is so so yummy. For all you out there who haven't tried it....try it. Easy to make and so so good. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Wow, I think that Mexican Pumpkin and Turkey Sausage and Shredded Chicken Stew is really very tasty. I love Pumpkin. Hope you update the blogs frequently with some other food items. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  87. great healthy recipe for everyone on a diet to try - healthy and delicious alike!

    ReplyDelete
  88. The food the is looking so delicious. Wish to eat.:)

    ReplyDelete
  89. YUMMM this is looks so delicious! I'm definitely going to have to try this out. I love homemade stew!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi,
    Thank you for your nice writing. I like it.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  91. I have to try this tonight! Might toss in some pine nuts too... Love your blog and all of your paleo/low carb recipes! :D

    ReplyDelete
  92. I really love all the great stuff you provide.... Chicken stew is one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Hey Cindy,

    Thanks for the recopies of lovely dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Just wanted to thank you. So glad i stumbled onto this gluten free site. My daughter is on a gluten free diet. The food looks amazing. Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  95. I made this stew and wanted to tell everyone it is amazing. I had a family get together and it was a huge hit. And so easy to make. Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  96. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You’ve so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also understand how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. You’ve got a style right here that’s not too flashy, but makes a statement as large as what you are saying. Great job, indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  97. It looks very tasty and I will try this out. Very healthy food like pumpkin not only tastes good but is very good for your health.

    ReplyDelete
  98. The recipe sounds delicious, will surely try out this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  99. mmmmmmmmmm, that looks really tasty. It's hard to find food that works with my needs.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love Chicken Stew! I thin your blog it`s perfect to find some healthy food choices!

    ReplyDelete
  101. This recopie sounds very delicious and surely i will try it myself. Thanks for such good article.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Nice article regarding the shredding of vegetables and big fruits. Thanks for sharing this useful information. Even we need shredders in kitchen.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Thanks for your sharing .Your thoughts are creative and they actually do help to me. It provides me with a lot of information. It is a nice post!

    ReplyDelete
  104. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this
    topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It
    seems too complicated and very broad for me.seo web design

    ReplyDelete
  105. Juicy Fruity Awesome post thanks for this great post liked it :-)

    ReplyDelete

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to comment :) Your comments help drive this healthy gluten free community.

As a token of our appreciation, our blog is DoFollow. In addition, as a top commentator, your blog/website will be linked on our frontpage. Thus, your comments here benefit your website, our website, and, ultimately, celiac awareness.

Blessed be,
Cindy