Beef and pumpkin stew

Beef and Pumpkin Stew – a savory and comforting recipe

Who can resist a delicious dish that combines the intense flavors of beef with the sweetness of pumpkin and fresh vegetables? Beef and pumpkin stew is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary embrace, perfect for chilly days or any occasion when you want to impress family and friends. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Number of servings: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours and 50 minutes

Ingredients

- 800 g beef tenderloin
- 300 g pumpkin
- 2 carrots
- 200 g Kalamata olives
- 4 green onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 potatoes
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 red bell peppers
- 80 ml red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10-15 chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the beef. Cut the tenderloin into cubes of about 2-3 cm, making sure to remove any visible fat. This step is essential as the fat can make the stew too heavy.
Peel and cut the potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and pumpkin into similar cubes. The pumpkin adds a sweet note and extra nutrients, making the dish a healthy choice.
Chop the garlic and green onions finely. The green onions add a fresh note and a delicate flavor.

2. Heating the oil
Place an aluminum pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. It’s important to use good quality olive oil as it will contribute to the final flavors of the stew.

3. Cooking the meat
Add the beef cubes to the hot oil, making sure to arrange them in a single layer for even browning. Sprinkle a little salt to help form an emulsion that will enhance the flavors. Sauté the meat for about 5-7 minutes until it is nicely browned.

4. Adding flavors
To the meat, add the chopped garlic, green onions, and thyme sprigs. These ingredients will add a fantastic depth of flavor. Season with freshly ground pepper and add the cubed olives and carrots. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Deglazing with wine
Deglaze the mixture with the red wine. This will add a pleasant acidity and help develop the flavors. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by about a third.

6. Transferring to the Crock Pot
Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the contents to the Crock Pot. Set the time for 3 hours and 30 minutes on low. This magic appliance will allow you to enjoy the intense aroma of the stew without worrying about cooking.

7. Adding vegetables
After about 2 hours, add the potatoes and tomato juice to the mixture. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Put the lid back on.

8. Finishing the dish
An hour before the end, add the pumpkin and diced bell pepper. These vegetables will cook quickly and add a pleasant texture. Finally, adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serving
At the end, serve the stew topped with chopped chives. They not only add a nice appearance but also a fresh taste. You can accompany the stew with fresh homemade bread or a crunchy green salad for a balanced meal.

Useful tips
- Choosing the meat: Use beef tenderloin as it is tender and cooks evenly. Other cuts, such as chuck or neck, can be used, but they require a longer cooking time.
- The pumpkin: Choose a young pumpkin with firm flesh for the best results. Butternut squash is an excellent choice due to its sweetness.
- The wine: Use a quality red wine that you would be willing to drink. The taste of the wine will influence the final flavor of the stew.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or peas. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or cumin for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional information
Beef and pumpkin stew is a protein- and vitamin-rich choice. Each serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the portions of vegetables and olives used. Beef provides essential proteins, while pumpkin and vegetables add fiber, vitamins A and C.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.

2. Is this recipe suitable for people following a vegetarian diet?
A vegetarian version can be made using tofu or seitan instead of meat, and to maintain flavors, add more vegetables and spices.

3. What drinks pair well with this stew?
A dry red wine or a gin-based cocktail can perfectly complement the flavors in the stew.

I encourage you to try this beef and pumpkin stew recipe and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. With each serving, you will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your tables. Enjoy your meal!