Comforting Onion Roast with Creamy Pumpkin Puree: A Family Feast

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A Hearty Meal That Brings Everyone to the Table

Prepare for a culinary experience that embodies the warmth of home cooking and the richness of seasonal flavors. This Onion Roast with Pumpkin Puree is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience. Tender beef slow-roasted with caramelized onions, accompanied by velvety pumpkin puree and perfectly seasoned spinach, creates a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Onion Roast

  • Beef (Whole Piece): 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
  • Onions: 5 medium
  • Red Wine: 200 ml (6.8 fl oz)
  • Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
  • Beef Broth: 600 ml (20.3 fl oz)
  • Fresh Thyme: 5-6 sprigs
  • Garlic: 1/2 head
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Cooking Oil: As needed

For the Pumpkin Puree

  • Pumpkin: 1 whole
  • Olive Oil: 50 ml (1.7 fl oz)
  • Warm Milk: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Nutmeg: A pinch

For the Spinach

  • Spinach: 400 g (14 oz)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Nutmeg: A pinch
  • Onion: 1 medium
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Olive Oil: As needed
  • Cream: 150 ml (5 fl oz)

For the Fried Onions

  • Large Onions: 2-3
  • All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons (45 g)
  • Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g)
  • Frying Oil: As needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Onion Roast

  1. Prepare Beef: Remove beef from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
  2. Season Meat: Generously season the beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Beef: In a large pan, heat oil and sear the beef on all sides until golden brown.
  4. Prepare Aromatics: Roughly chop onions and garlic.
  5. Deglazing: Add red wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Braising: Transfer beef to a roasting pan, surround with chopped onions, garlic, and thyme.
  7. Add Liquid: Mix beef broth with tomato paste and flour, then pour over the meat.

Preparing the Pumpkin Puree

  1. Prepare Pumpkin: Cut pumpkin in half, remove seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Roast Pumpkin: Roast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until tender, about 45-60 minutes.
  3. Make Puree: Scoop out pumpkin flesh, blend with warm milk and butter.
  4. Season: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Preparing the Spinach

  1. Sauté Base: Finely chop onion and garlic, sauté in olive oil.
  2. Cook Spinach: Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  3. Finish Spinach: Add cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Preparing Fried Onions

  1. Slice Onions: Cut onions into thin rings.
  2. Coat Onions: Mix flour and paprika, coat onion rings.
  3. Fry: Deep fry until golden and crispy.

Cooking the Roast

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 170°C (338°F).
  2. Roast: Cook for 45 minutes, or until beef reaches desired doneness.
  3. Rest Meat: Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Serving

Slice the roast and serve with pumpkin puree, creamed spinach, and top with crispy fried onions.

Nutritional Information

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-700 calories
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 40g

Cooking Time and Preparation

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Use a meat thermometer to check beef doneness.
  • Let the beef rest to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
  • Roast pumpkin seeds for a crunchy garnish.
  • Use fresh thyme for maximum flavor.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Meat Alternatives:
    • Use pork or lamb instead of beef
    • Try a vegetarian roast with a large portobello mushroom
  • Puree Variations:
    • Substitute pumpkin with butternut squash
    • Add roasted garlic to the puree
  • Dietary Modifications:
    • Use plant-based cream for a dairy-free option
    • Gluten-free flour for coating onions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prepare Components in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin puree and sauté the spinach ahead of time.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Substitute beef with a plant-based roast or large portobello mushrooms.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat?

Gently reheat in the oven to maintain moisture and texture.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Best consumed fresh, but you can freeze components separately.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store components separately
  • Freezing: Not recommended for the entire dish
  • Reheating: Warm gently in the oven

Indulge in this comforting Onion Roast with Pumpkin Puree—a dish that promises to warm hearts and satisfy appetites!