Cazuela de Vaca (Beef and Pumpkin Stew)

Description

This hearty Chilean stew of beef, corn, and pumpkin is a one dish meal. The main ingredients are stewed in serving-sized pieces, so that each person receives a large piece surrounded by a broth with the other vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds beef roast
  • 1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup polenta (coarse or fine)
  • 8 red potatoes, cut in half
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 ½ pounds slice of pumpkin (calabaza)
  • 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 carrot, cut into 1/2 inch slices
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
  • 1 leek, split in half, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon mild paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves (lightly packed)

Instructions

  1. Cut the piece of beef into 6 large chunks (one per serving). Place the beef into a large saucepan; pour in the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat
  2. then reduce heat to medium
  3. cover
  4. and simmer until nearly tender
  5. 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  6. Stir the polenta into the stew along with the potatoes and onion. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the pumpkin into 6
  7. serving-sized pieces
  8. and add to the stew along with the corn
  9. carrot
  10. bell pepper
  11. celery
  12. and leek; simmer until the vegetables are tender
  13. adding more water if needed to barely cover. Stir in the oregano and paprika during the last 5 minutes.
  14. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls
  15. and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Servings: 6

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