Pumpkin Braised Beef: A Hearty Fall Delight

Braised Beef with Pumpkin (Brasato alla Zucca)

Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

To prepare this comforting and flavorful Braised Beef with Pumpkin, follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetable Broth
   Begin by preparing the vegetable broth. If using homemade, ensure it is warm and ready for use. If using store-bought, heat it up until it reaches a simmer.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin
   Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and internal fibers, and cut it into slices or cubes. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Onions
   In a heavy-bottomed pot (preferably a cast-iron one), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Peel and slice the onions thinly and add them to the pot. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes until they are softened and lightly golden.

4. Brown the Beef
   Add the beef sirloin (Controfiletto) to the pot, searing it on all sides over medium-high heat. This process should take around 5 minutes to get a beautiful brown crust on the meat.

5. Deglaze with Red Wine
   Pour in the red wine and let it simmer, allowing the alcohol to evaporate completely, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Add the Pumpkin and Seasonings
   Once the wine has evaporated, add the cubed pumpkin to the pot. Add the chopped rosemary, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir to combine, then cover with a lid.

7. Slow Cook the Beef
   Let the beef and pumpkin cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Ensure the broth remains at a simmer during the cooking process. Add more vegetable broth if necessary.

8. Rest the Meat and Prepare the Sauce
   Once the beef is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pot and set it on a plate to rest. Keep it warm.
   Set aside a few pieces of pumpkin cubes for garnish. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the remaining pumpkin and cooking liquid into a creamy sauce.

9. Slice the Beef and Assemble
   Slice the rested beef into thick pieces. On a serving platter, spread a generous layer of the creamy pumpkin sauce. Place the sliced beef on top, and garnish with the reserved pumpkin cubes.

10. Serve and Enjoy
    Your Braised Beef with Pumpkin is ready to serve! This hearty and comforting dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh bread. Enjoy the rich flavors of tender beef and velvety pumpkin!

Cooking Tips:

• If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or beef broth for a richer flavor.
• This dish is also wonderful when prepared a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and develop even more. Just reheat gently before serving.

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Braised Beef with Pumpkin is a true fall and winter delight, combining the tenderness of beef with the sweetness and creaminess of pumpkin.