Recipe - Three Sisters Stew

The Three Sisters Stew is a traditional Iroquois dish that highlights the native crops of squash, beans, and corn (hominy). The dish received Honorable Mention in our contest and was a personal favorite of this author for its sweet and savory taste.

1 large butternut squash
1 white onion (diced)
1 can of pumpkin
1-2 cans of hominy (with brine)
1-2 cans of red kidney beans (with brine)
1 lime (juiced)
3 tbs. canola or sunflower oil
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup water
½ cup real maple syrup
1 cup chopped mushrooms (your choice)
4 tbs. fresh thyme
4 tbs. fresh dill (chopped)
4-5 cloves of fresh garlic (finely chopped)
Salt, pepper, hot sauce to taste

1. Saute diced onion and garlic in a hot pot with oil and herbs until onions are translucent.

2. Add 1 inch diced cubes of peeled butternut squash and cook until soft (about 25 minutes on medium-high heat).

3. Add vegetable broth with ½ cup water and bring to a simmer. Add hominy and beans (with brine juice) and mushrooms. Simmer for approx 10-15 minutes.

4. Next add the canned pumpkin and maple syrup, stirring until the broth is smooth and thick.

5. Pour fresh squeezed lime juice in stew and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

6. Add salt, pepper, hot sauce to taste. Serve hot.

-Recipe submitted by George Hunter, Valley Cottage, NY
-Photo courtesy Lucie Teichmann