Craving a comforting yet vibrant dish that bursts with flavour? Look no further than this incredibly easy Beef Pumpkin Curry recipe. This Thai-inspired culinary delight combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of beef, all enveloped in a fragrant and creamy red curry sauce. Imagine tender chunks of beef mingling with soft pumpkin in a deeply satisfying sauce, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The beautiful colour alone is enough to entice, promising a taste experience as stunning as its appearance.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparation times! This recipe simplifies the process of creating an authentic-tasting curry, making it accessible to even novice cooks. The blend of aromatic spices creates a depth of flavour you won't believe. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below to create your own delicious Beef Pumpkin Curry.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Blender (optional)
- Stainless steel pan
Ingredients
- Beef: 300 grams
- Pumpkin
- Betel leaves
- Chili peppers
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Fish sauce
- Seasoning powder
- Shrimp paste
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Galangal
- Lemongrass
- Peppercorns
- Dried chili peppers (small)
- Dried chili peppers (large)
- Lime peel
- Salt
- Cooking oil
- Basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Make the Curry Paste
- Cut beef into bite-sized pieces, cut pumpkin into chunks, thinly slice chili peppers, tear kaffir lime leaves.
- Start with peppercorns, then add dried chilies (small and large), salt, lime peel, galangal, lemongrass. Pound until crushed.
- Add garlic and shallots to the pounded mixture, then finally shrimp paste. Mix well.
- Alternatively, blend all ingredients except shrimp paste in a blender. Add shrimp paste at the end and mix well.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan. Add curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add beef and stir-fry until it’s about 80-90% cooked. Add kaffir lime leaves.
- Add water (including the water used to rinse the mortar and pestle), and bring to a boil.
- Season with fish sauce and seasoning powder. Add pumpkin.
Step 3. Simmer and Finish
- Simmer until pumpkin is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add chili peppers and basil leaves to garnish.
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- Cut beef horizontally to reduce stickiness.
- Use fatty beef for a more fragrant curry.
- Pound ingredients one or two at a time to maintain order and avoid splattering.
- Don't overcook the beef; it should be tender but not tough.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin according to your preference.
- If desired, you can use pork neck instead of beef.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pumpkin?
Yes! Butternut squash, kabocha squash, or even sweet potato will work well as substitutes for pumpkin. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the pumpkin's density.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Don't worry! You can adapt the recipe. The most important spices are red curry paste, fish sauce, and coconut milk. Other spices enhance the flavour but aren't essential.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this curry tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Red Curry Pumpkin with Beef recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined perfectly. Enjoy the satisfying warmth and vibrant flavours of this easy-to-make Thai-inspired dish. Now go ahead and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!