I started out intending to make a Cuban bean and pumpkin stew from one of Madhur Jaffrey's books. I didn't have enough of the ingredients on hand to get the full Cuban flair, so I merged the base of navy beans and pumpkin with another MJ recipe to make this simple yet hearty and satisfying soup. Note, this calls for dried beans, soaking overnight is preferable but you can use the quick method too.