Savory Pumpkin and Pork Stew
This delightful Pumpkin and Pork Stew has become an essential family tradition that we eagerly anticipate every fall. The first time I experienced this unique dish was during my teenage years after a long day of football practice. Walking into the house, I caught a whiff of something surprisingly aromatic emanating from the oven, and my curiosity was piqued. Little did I know, my mom had crafted a masterpiece! The combination of tender shredded pork, earthy pumpkin, and savory spices results in a heartwarming stew that brings everyone to the table. As the pumpkin caramelizes in the oven, it transforms into a cozy vessel brimming with robust flavors—perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly evenings. Prep time does not include the overnight cooking of the pork.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin
1 (medium, top cut off, seeds removed, flesh scraped and diced)
Pork shoulder
2 lbs (cooked and shredded)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1 dash
Flour
1/4 cup
Spaghetti sauce
1 (15-ounce) can
Canned mushrooms
1 can
Green pepper
1 (diced)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Instructions
1
Cook the pork roast overnight in a crockpot with enough water to cover the meat.
2
Once cooked, allow the roast to cool slightly, then shred it using two forks; set aside.
3
Prepare the pumpkin by cutting off the top in the same manner as you would for a Jack-O-Lantern. Remove the seeds and any stringy insides.
4
Using a metal spoon, scrape the interior walls of the pumpkin to remove some of the flesh, creating space for the stew.
5
Dice the scooped-out pumpkin flesh into small pieces.
6
In a large saucepan, combine the diced pumpkin, shredded pork, spaghetti sauce, diced green pepper, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warmed through, stirring occasionally.
7
Once heated, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until well incorporated to thicken the stew.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
Spoon the pork and pumpkin mixture into the hollowed-out pumpkin shell.
10
Place the top back on the pumpkin, and set the pumpkin in a large baking pan. Pour one inch of water into the pan to create steam while baking.
11
Bake in the oven for 2 hours, or until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this pumpkin stew?
The primary protein used is two pounds of pork shoulder.
How should the pork be prepared for the recipe?
The pork roast should be cooked overnight in a crockpot with enough water to cover the meat, then shredded using two forks.
What type of pumpkin is required?
You need one medium-sized pumpkin with the top cut off, seeds removed, and the interior flesh scraped and diced.
How do I prepare the pumpkin for stuffing?
Cut off the top like a Jack-O-Lantern, remove the seeds and stringy insides, and scrape the interior walls with a metal spoon to create space.
What do I do with the pumpkin flesh that is scraped out?
The scraped-out pumpkin flesh should be diced into small pieces and added to the stew mixture.
What liquid base is used for the stew filling?
A 15-ounce can of spaghetti sauce serves as the liquid base for the stew.
Which vegetables are added to the pork and pumpkin mixture?
The mixture includes one diced green pepper, one chopped medium onion, and one can of mushrooms.
What spices provide the flavor for this dish?
The stew is seasoned with 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a dash of ground cloves.
How is the stew thickened?
The stew is thickened by stirring in 1/4 cup of flour once the mixture has been warmed through in a saucepan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the stuffed pumpkin need to bake?
The pumpkin needs to bake for 2 hours, or until it is tender and the flavors have melded.
What special step is taken during the baking process to prevent drying?
One inch of water is poured into the large baking pan to create steam while the pumpkin is in the oven.
Do I bake the pumpkin with the lid on?
Yes, you should place the top back on the pumpkin before putting it in the oven.
Is the pork cooked before it goes into the pumpkin?
Yes, the pork is cooked and shredded separately, then warmed in a saucepan with other ingredients before being spooned into the pumpkin shell.
Can I skip the overnight crockpot step?
The recipe specifies overnight cooking for the pork to ensure it is tender enough to shred, so it is a recommended part of the preparation.
What is the texture of the finished pumpkin wall?
The pumpkin wall becomes tender and the interior caramelizes, contributing to the flavor of the stew.
How much salt is used in the Savory Pumpkin and Pork Stew?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
What is the recommended size for the green pepper?
The recipe uses one whole green pepper, diced.
Does the preparation time include the pork cooking time?
No, the preparation time mentioned does not include the overnight cooking of the pork roast.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe calls for one can of canned mushrooms.
What size onion should be used?
One medium onion, chopped, is used for this recipe.
How is the meat shredded?
Once the roast has cooled slightly, it is shredded using two forks.
What container is used to heat the stew before baking?
A large saucepan is used to combine and heat the ingredients over medium heat.
What is the role of ground cloves in this dish?
A dash of ground cloves provides an aromatic, savory spice profile that complements the pumpkin.
Is this considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming and robust stew perfect for chilly evenings.
How is the flour incorporated into the mixture?
The flour is sprinkled over the heated mixture and stirred until well incorporated to thicken the liquid.
What is the first step in preparing the filling?
The first step for the filling is combining the diced pumpkin, pork, sauce, vegetables, and seasonings in a saucepan.
What does the author suggest using to scrape the pumpkin?
A metal spoon is suggested for scraping the interior walls of the pumpkin.
Does this recipe use a Jack-O-Lantern style pumpkin?
Yes, the pumpkin is cut and cleaned in the same manner as a Jack-O-Lantern to create a vessel for the stew.
What is the primary theme of this dish according to the description?
The dish is a cozy fall family tradition meant for sharing with loved ones.