Pumpkin Stew Cooked in the Pumpkin ๐
Overview:
Pumpkin Stew cooked in its own vessel, imparting a delightful aroma and creating a striking presentation, is not just a dish but an experience. Perfect for chilly nights, this stew is loved by kids for its novelty factor and cherished by adults for its comforting flavors. Let’s dive into the details of this savory delight!
Recipe Information:
- Name: Pumpkin Stew (Cooked in the Pumpkin)
- Category: Stew
- Keywords: Onions, Peppers, Vegetable, Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Thanksgiving, Savory, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 914.2
- Total Fat: 44.6g
- Saturated Fat: 16.6g
- Cholesterol: 157.4mg
- Sodium: 301.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 84.9g
- Fiber: 9.6g
- Sugars: 16.9g
- Protein: 52g
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin ๐
- 10-12 chunks of beef stew meat
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and stringy insides. Set the cleaned pumpkin aside.
-
-
Prepare the Stew:
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat until evenly browned. Add in the diced onions, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, garlic cloves, celery, diced tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
-
Simmer the Stew:
- Let the stew mixture simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
-
Prepare the Pumpkin for Baking:
- While the stew is simmering, preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Place the cleaned pumpkin in a shallow baking pan.
-
Fill and Bake the Pumpkin:
- Carefully fill the hollowed-out pumpkin with the simmered stew mixture. Brush the outer skin of the pumpkin with oil to help it cook evenly and maintain moisture.
- Place the baking pan with the stuffed pumpkin into the preheated oven.
-
Cook the Pumpkin Stew:
- Bake the pumpkin for approximately 2 hours or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The stew inside will also be cooked to perfection, infused with the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pumpkin stew is done baking, carefully transfer it to a serving dish. Serve by scooping out portions of the stew along with chunks of the tender pumpkin flesh from the inside walls of the pumpkin.
-
Enhance the Experience:
- Be sure to include chunks of the cooked pumpkin flesh in each serving of stew, as it adds a delightful sweetness and texture that complements the savory stew.
Tips:
- This dish is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, as it not only tastes delicious but also makes for an impressive centerpiece.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- Ensure the pumpkin is fully cooked by testing its tenderness before serving.
Final Thoughts:
Pumpkin Stew cooked inside a pumpkin is more than just a mealโit’s an adventure in flavors and textures. From the moment you start preparing the ingredients to the final presentation at the table, this dish promises to delight both the chef and the guests. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this Pumpkin Stew will surely leave everyone impressed and satisfied. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings, and savor every spoonful of this unique culinary experience! ๐ฒ๐
