Ingredients and Weight:
- Pumpkin: 500 grams (1 pound)
- Beef Stew Meat: 750 grams (1.5 pounds)
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Canola Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Beef Stock or Broth: 2 cups
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Cream or Coconut Milk: 1 cup (optional)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours (including preparation time)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cube the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the canola oil and brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Peel and cube the pumpkin into small pieces. Add to the pot along with the onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the beef stock or broth and bring to a boil. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- After an hour, add the thyme and continue cooking for another hour or until the meat is tender and the pumpkin is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and stir in the cream or coconut milk (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dish or bread.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 400-500 depending on the type of beef used and if cream is added.
Fat: Moderate, mostly from beef and oil.
Carbohydrates: From pumpkin and any added cream or milk.
Protein: From beef and pumpkin.
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and rich in flavor, perfect for colder weather.
- The combination of beef and pumpkin provides a unique and satisfying taste experience.
- The dish is full of nutrients, especially when using fresh ingredients.
User Comments:
- "The dish was amazing! The flavors were well-balanced and the pumpkin added a unique touch."
- "I loved the tenderness of the beef and the creamy texture of the stew."
- "This is a great dish for colder evenings, very comforting."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for best flavor and texture.
- Brown the beef well to enhance its flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, especially if using low-sodium beef stock or broth.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.
