This warming butternut beef stew is slow cooked until the beef is meltingly tender and combines with the sweet butternut squash to create a delicious flavour packed dinner.
½largebutternut squashapprox 1-1¼ lb, cut into ⅓ inch cubes
4clovesgarlicminced
1green or red chillisliced in half lengthways
1teaspoonground cumin
2teaspoonsmild smoked paprika
14oztinned diced tomatoes
1cred wine
2cwater or stock
2bay leaves
salt
black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
largehandfulparsleythick stalks removed
1-2tablespoonsfresh oregano leaves
1-2green chillies
1tablespoonred wine vinegar
2-3tablespoonsolive oil
salt
black pepper
To Serve
boiled rice
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 160℃ fan / 180℃ / 360℉.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large casserole dish over a high heat and brown the beef all over. Spoon on to a plate and set side. The beef won't be cooked through at this stage.
Add the rest of the oil to the pan, turn the heat down to medium and add the diced onion, green pepper (capsicum) and butternut squash. Cook, with the lid on, for 10 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and whole chilli and cook for 30 seconds, before adding the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir, then add the tomatoes, wine, stock / water, bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper.
Turn the heat up and bring to a boil, place the lid on and then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 hours, until the beef is tender.
To make the chimichurri
Place the parsley, oregano, chilli and red wine vinegar into a mini blender and blend until fine.
Season well with salt, and drizzle in the oil until you get your desired consistency.
Check for seasoning, adding a little more salt if needed.
Serve the beef stew with rice, topped with a spoonful of chimichurri sauce.
Notes
MAKE AHEAD / STORAGEI don't recommend you freeze the chimichurri sauce, however it will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, covered. For the beef stew:Fridge: Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.INGREDIENTS NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Stewing Beef - use a cut of beef that needs a long cooking time like chuck or blade steak, beef shin or ox cheek.
Green peppers / capsicum - or use red peppers / capsicum.
Butternut squash - substitute with pumpkin.
Chilli - either a red or green chilli.
Red wine - adds a richness and depth of flavour. If you want to make this without alcohol, substitute with more stock.
Stock - I often make this with chicken stock, however you can use vegetable stock or even water. If you do use water, add some more salt than if you were using stock.
FreshParsley - or use a combination of fresh parsley and fresh coriander (cilantro).
Fresh oregano - or substitute with a pinch of dried oregano.
Green chilli - or a pinch of chilli flakes.
Red wine vinegar - or substitute with white wine vinegar.