Pumpkin Stew

Pumpkin Stew Recipe from Argentina with Beef, Apricots, and Corn

Region / culture: Argentina | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pumpkin stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines tender chunks of meat with a variety of vegetables and sweet apricots, all cooked inside a hollowed-out pumpkin for a unique presentation.

History

Pumpkin stew has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Pumpkins were originally cultivated in Central America and have been used in cooking for thousands of years. This recipe likely originated as a way to make use of the entire pumpkin, including the flesh and seeds.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp oil
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
salt and pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 cup dried apricots
3 white potatoes, peeled and diced
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups beef broth
1 medium pumpkin
butter or margarine, melted
0.25 cup dry sherry
1 can whole kernel corn (1 lb (454 g)), drained

How to prepare

Trim any excess fat from the beef and cook it with onion and garlic in oil until the meat is browned.
Add tomatoes, green pepper, 1 tbsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, sugar, apricots, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and broth. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, cut the top off the pumpkin and discard it.
Scoop out the seeds and stringy membrane.
Brush the inside of the pumpkin with butter and sprinkle it lightly with salt and pepper.
Stir sherry and corn into the stew and spoon it into the pumpkin shell.
Place the shell in a shallow pan and bake it at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour, or until the pumpkin meat is tender.
Place the pumpkin in a large bowl and ladle out the stew, scooping out some of the pumpkin with each serving of stew.

Variations

Add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute chicken or lamb for the beef for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the meat before adding it to the stew to enhance the flavor.

- Simmering the stew for an hour allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Baking the stew inside the pumpkin adds a unique presentation and imparts a subtle pumpkin flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pumpkin stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding it to the stew helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried apricots, you can substitute raisins or prunes for a similar sweet flavor.

- Feel free to use any type of meat in this stew, such as chicken, lamb, or pork.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this pumpkin stew directly in the hollowed-out pumpkin for a stunning presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This pumpkin stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This pumpkin stew recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This pumpkin stew recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This pumpkin stew recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This pumpkin stew recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. This stew also contains a variety of other vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and corn, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this pumpkin stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pumpkin stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines tender meat, vegetables, and sweet apricots, all cooked inside a hollowed-out pumpkin for a unique presentation. Serve this stew with a side of bread or rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village surrounded by lush green fields and colorful autumn foliage. My grandmother, a wise and skilled cook, had taught me the basics of cooking from a very young age. But it wasn't until one crisp fall day that she showed me the recipe for Pumpkin Stew that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

It all started when my grandmother's dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. O'Malley, invited us over for dinner. Mrs. O'Malley was known throughout the village for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had a particular fondness for pumpkin dishes. As we sat down to eat, the aroma of spices and simmering pumpkin filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I took the first bite of Mrs. O'Malley's Pumpkin Stew, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The flavors were rich and comforting, with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. I begged Mrs. O'Malley for the recipe, and to my delight, she agreed to teach me her secrets.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in Mrs. O'Malley's cozy kitchen, watching and helping as she prepared her famous Pumpkin Stew. She showed me how to select the perfect pumpkin, how to chop it into tender chunks, and how to season it with a blend of fragrant spices. But the most important lesson she taught me was to cook with love and care, to infuse each dish with a piece of my heart.

As I made the Pumpkin Stew for the first time on my own, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The kitchen was filled with the same warm, comforting aroma that I remembered from Mrs. O'Malley's house, and I knew that I had captured the essence of her recipe perfectly. From that moment on, Pumpkin Stew became a staple in my own home, a dish that I would make for my family and friends on chilly autumn evenings.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I discovered that a splash of apple cider added a hint of sweetness, while a pinch of nutmeg brought out the pumpkin's natural flavor. I shared my version of the recipe with friends and neighbors, who raved about its delicious taste and comforting warmth.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my children and grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations. The recipe for Pumpkin Stew may have started with Mrs. O'Malley, but it has become a cherished part of my own family's history, a reminder of love, friendship, and the simple joys of sharing a delicious meal together.

And so, as I stir a steaming pot of Pumpkin Stew on the stove, I can't help but smile and think of the young girl I once was, eager to learn the secrets of a beloved recipe. I may have inherited many recipes from various places and people over the years, but the story of how I learned to make Pumpkin Stew will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a story of friendship, tradition, and the enduring power of good food to bring people together.