Beef Stew with Pumpkin: A Dreamy Fall Recipe
With the arrival of autumn and its warm colors, the desire for dishes that warm the heart and the palate also grows. One of these is undoubtedly Beef Stew with Pumpkin , a recipe that combines the softness of the meat with the sweetness of the pumpkin, for a complete, rich and tasty dish. Preparing it is easier than you think and the result is a comfort food that smells of home and tradition. Here's how to make it!
Ingredients for 4 people
- 500 g of diced beef (muscle or shoulder is ideal)
- 400g pumpkin (diced)
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 1 clove of garlic (optional)
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ glass of white wine (or red for a more intense flavour)
- Meat or vegetable broth to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Preparation of ingredients
Start by cutting the pumpkin and carrots into regular cubes. The onion should be finely chopped, while the carrots can be cut into rounds to give a pleasant consistency to the dish.
2. Brown the meat
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them well on all sides: this step is important to seal in the juices and obtain a more tender and flavorful result. Season with a little salt and pepper as you brown them.
3. Add onion, carrots and herbs
Once the meat is well browned, add the chopped onion, carrots and garlic clove (if you like). Let it fry for a few minutes until the onion becomes transparent and the ingredients begin to release their aroma. Also add the rosemary and bay leaf.
4. Blend with wine
Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate completely. This step adds depth to the stew's flavor and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
5. Slow cooking with broth
At this point, add the broth until it covers the meat and reduce the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Slow cooking is essential to make the meat tender and juicy.
6. Add the pumpkin
After about an hour, add the pumpkin cubes and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, still on low heat. The pumpkin will cook quickly, so keep an eye on the consistency to make sure it doesn't fall apart too much.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve
Once cooked, season with salt and pepper and remove the bay leaf and the sprig of rosemary. Your beef stew with pumpkin is ready to be enjoyed, better if accompanied by a good rustic bread to mop up the sauce!
Tips for a Perfect Recipe
- Cut of Meat : For a perfect stew, choose cuts such as muscle or rump, which require long cooking but guarantee a tender and juicy result.
- Broth : If possible, use homemade broth for a more authentic flavor, but a good meat or vegetable broth will also work just fine.
- Flavours : Rosemary and bay leaves are ideal for enriching the aroma of the dish, but you can also add thyme or sage for an extra touch.
Why You Should Love Beef Stew with Pumpkin
This stew is a perfect combination of autumn flavors: the sweetness of the pumpkin, the richness of the meat and the scent of the herbs make it a comforting and satisfying dish. In addition, it is also a recipe that lends itself well to being prepared in advance: the next day it is even better, because the flavors have time to blend perfectly.
Enjoy your meal and have a great autumn!
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