Autumn Stew
A hearty autumn stew featuring tender beef, dried fruits, and vegetables, all simmered in rich broth and baked inside a pumpkin for a warm, flavorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. rump or chuck, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 cans condensed beef broth (10 1/2 oz. cans) ⓘ
- 24 dried prunes ⓘ
- 2 lb. dried apricots ⓘ
- 6 yams, skinned and cubed ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen kernel corn ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Madeira wine ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 pumpkin (about 8-qt. size) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute meat in a little butter until browned and transfer to an 8-quart kettle.
- Saute onions, garlic, and green peppers, then combine with the meat.
- Mix in all other ingredients except the pumpkin, cover, and simmer for one hour or until the meat is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with a little of the pan liquid and blend into the sauce to thicken.
- Cut the top off the pumpkin, remove seeds and membranes, and fill it with the stew.
- Bake the filled pumpkin at 325°F for one hour.
- Carefully place the pumpkin on a large platter and serve from it.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika. If you don't have prunes, dried figs can be a suitable substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth. This stew can be made ahead of time as the flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Autumn Stew directly from the baked pumpkin for a stunning presentation. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It works well alongside sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving with a glass of Madeira wine, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Autumn Stew contains roughly 1049 calories, with 36g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While rump or chuck is traditional, you can substitute with brisket or even lamb for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Ground beef can also be used for a quicker version, though the texture will be different.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the stew?
If you find the stew too sweet, you can balance it by adding more salt or a splash of vinegar. Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar or omitting the prunes can help. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred flavor balance, as the sweetness can vary based on the ripeness of the fruits.
Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?
Yes, to make this stew gluten-free, simply replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickening agent such as arrowroot starch or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the beef broth is also labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. Enjoy a delicious, comforting dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).