Cazuela de Vacuno (Chilean Beef, Corn and Pumpkin Soup)
In short: A Chilean soup-stew of beef on the bone with a big piece of pumpkin, potato, corn on the cob and rice, finished with fresh cilantro. It takes about 1 h 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 485 kcal
Cazuela is the dish Chilean grandmothers make when anyone is sick, cold or just home for lunch. A tall bowl holds a piece of beef on the bone, a wedge of pumpkin, a whole potato, a chunk of corn on the cob and a spoonful of rice, all in a clear broth finished with fresh cilantro. It is a meal in one bowl, eaten with both a spoon and a fork. Chicken and lamb versions exist, but beef is the classic.
Instructions
- Put the beef, water, onion, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then cover and simmer gently for 50 minutes.
- Add the potatoes, corn and carrot and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and add the pumpkin wedges. Simmer for 15 minutes more, until the potatoes are nearly tender.
- Add the green beans and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender, the rice is cooked and the vegetables are soft.
- Season to taste and stir in the cilantro. Serve each person a piece of beef, a potato, a piece of corn and a wedge of pumpkin in a deep bowl with plenty of broth.
Tips
- Kabocha or butternut squash both work if you cannot find Chilean pumpkin. Butternut cooks quickly, so add it 5 minutes later. Chicken thighs can replace the beef and need only 30 minutes.
- For a clear broth, keep the pot at a gentle simmer and do not stir after the rice goes in. Skim any fat from the surface before serving.
Questions and answers
What cut of beef is best for cazuela?
Bone-in cuts with a little fat, such as short ribs, shank or chuck, give the most flavor. Lean cuts turn dry and make a thin broth.
Can I make cazuela ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 3 days in the fridge. The rice absorbs broth, so add hot water when reheating and finish with fresh cilantro.
Is cazuela a soup or a stew?
It is both. It is a brothy dish with large pieces of meat and vegetables, eaten as a full meal in a bowl with a spoon and fork.
How long does it take to make Cazuela de Vacuno (Chilean Beef, Corn and Pumpkin Soup)?
About 1 h 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Cazuela de Vacuno (Chilean Beef, Corn and Pumpkin Soup)?
About 485 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 45 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 485 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
