Beef and Pumpkin Stew (牛肉煮南瓜)
牛肉煮南瓜, or Beef and Pumpkin Stew, is a hearty and warming dish perfect for cooler weather or any time you crave something comforting. The sweetness of the pumpkin complements the savory richness of the beef, making for a deliciously balanced meal. Here's a simple recipe to create this comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 500 g beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 500 g pumpkin peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary optional, for added flavor
- 2 carrots sliced (optional, for more variety in texture and nutrition)
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown all sides of the beef cubes, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour a small amount of the beef broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add lots of flavors to the stew.
Cook the Stew:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, soy sauce, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme or rosemary if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is starting to become tender.
Add the Pumpkin and Carrots:
- Add the pumpkin chunks and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir to combine.
Continue Cooking:
- Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin and carrots are tender and the beef is very tender.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the Beef and Pumpkin Stew hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
