Cazuela de Vaca (Beef and Pumpkin Stew)

Introducing our Cazuela de Vaca (Beef and Pumpkin Stew)—a heartwarming, traditional Chilean dish that captures the essence of comfort and flavor. This rich and savory stew combines tender beef with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s perfect for cozy evenings. To elevate this culinary experience, we recommend pairing it with our GEN 7 2020 Road To Morocco Reserve, an exquisite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. This robust wine complements the stew’s earthy flavors, adding depth and a touch of elegance to every bite.

Dive into the recipe and transform your meal into a gourmet adventure!

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, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until nearly tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

2. Stir the polenta into the stew along with the potatoes and onion. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Cut the pumpkin into 6, serving-sized pieces, and add to the stew along with the corn, carrot, bell pepper, celery, and leek; simmer until the vegetables are tender, adding more water if needed to barely cover. Stir in the oregano and paprika during the last 5 minutes.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Wrap up your culinary journey with Cazuela de Vaca, where each spoonful delivers warmth and tradition. Paired with the GEN 7 2020 Road To Morocco Reserve, this dish transcends a simple meal, becoming a feast for the senses. The bold notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah beautifully balance the stew’s rich flavors, making every bite memorable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this pairing promises a dining experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Don’t forget to savor the moment and let the flavors linger. Cheers to great food, fine wine, and unforgettable memories!