Beef Sauté with Pumpkin and Lentils

This flavorful beef sauté with pumpkin and lentils is a delightful twist on traditional stews. The combination of tender beef pieces and hearty brown lentils simmered with sweet pumpkin and aromatic herbs creates a comforting dish perfect for any season. It originates from Central Europe and showcases a fusion of local ingredients with a touch of international spices.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

600 g boneless beef pieces
100 g organic brown lentils
20 ml grapeseed oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 small, starchy pumpkin
3 garlic cloves
2 sprigs fresh thyme

Spices and Seasonings:

400 ml water or wine of choice
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total: 200 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
In a cast iron pot, heat the grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the beef pieces, searing them on all sides until golden brown. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Once browned, remove the beef pieces from the pot and set them aside.
Add the brown lentils to the pot, followed by the tomato paste. Stir to combine them well, ensuring the lentils are evenly coated with the paste.
Cut the pumpkin into medium-sized cubes, adding them to the pot along with the minced garlic and fresh thyme.
Return the beef pieces to the pot, season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Pour in 400 ml of water or your wine of choice over the mixture; this will serve as the braising liquid. Stir gently to distribute the liquid throughout the pot.
Cover the pot securely with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Braise the mixture for 30 minutes at 200°C.
Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and continue to cook for another 2.5 hours.
Check the pot periodically to ensure there's enough cooking liquid, adding more water or wine if necessary.
After the cooking time, the beef should be incredibly tender and the lentils fully cooked.
Carefully remove the pot from the oven; allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Once ready to serve, taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper.
Garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving for a burst of color and aroma.
This dish traditionally pairs well with freshly baked bread or a side of mashed potatoes.
Serve in deep bowls to capture all the rich flavors and juices.
Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese over the top for a creamy touch.
Enjoy your aromatic and heartwarming beef sauté.
Bon appétit!

Tips

**Use organic ingredients** whenever possible for enhanced flavor and health benefits.
Substitute grapeseed oil with olive oil for a different depth of flavor.
For a creamier texture, blend half the cooked pumpkin and stir back into the stew before serving.
If fresh thyme is unavailable, substitute with dried thyme but use half the amount.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 35 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace beef with extra lentils or chickpeas and a variety of mushrooms.
Use sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin for a different twist on flavors.
Incorporate your favorite spices like cumin or coriander for an exotic touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a simple **green salad** with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Pair with a robust red wine such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Best Places

Stew & Brew Kitchen - Known for its innovative stews. Location: 456 Gourmet Ave, New York, USA.
The Hearty Plate - A rustic eatery offering comforting dishes. Location: 789 Comfort St, Toronto, Canada.
Pumpkin Paradise - Specializes in pumpkin-based meals. Location: 101 Harvest Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Beef & Pumpkin Express - A place for hearty meals served swiftly. Location: 11 Quick Bite Rd, London, UK.
Aroma Café - Offers a variety of aromatic stews. Location: 55 Flavour Corner, Paris, France.
Bite-sized Delight - Known for bite-sized gourmet dishes. Location: 789 Savoury Sq, Rome, Italy.
Thyme & Essence - Enhances traditional dishes with unique herbs. Location: 123 Aroma Ave, Berlin, Germany.
Autumn Harvest - Perfect for seasonal dishes year-round. Location: 9 Spice Street, Tokyo, Japan.
Warmth & Comfort - Offers homestyle meals that evoke nostalgia. Location: 1 Cozy Blvd, Kyoto, Japan.
The Sauté Hub - Diverse sauté dishes with global influences. Location: 88 World Flavours Rd, Singapore.