Ground Beef and Pumpkin Saute

I almost literally dreamed this one up -- woke up with this recipe in my brain. It's quick and tasty for a mid-week dinner. The spiciness in the dish is up to you, but the idea is for there to be a mild spiciness -- think "warm," not "hot." You can use whatever chili-type seasoning you want, but I like the milder ones (such as ancho chilis) where you can taste the peppers, not just the heat.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• l lb ground beef - 85% or thereabouts
• 2 C pumpkin chunks (hopefully you can get this already cut up for you at the store)
• 1/3 C chopped onion
• 1 small chopped red pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, put through a press or minced
• 2 t or cubes beef bouillion (I like Better Than Bouillion paste) mixed in 1/4 C water*
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/2 t nutmeg
• For spice, I used 1.5 t powdered ancho chilis and 1 t Cajun seasoning (Penzeys)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation:

1) Microwave pumpkin chunks for 3 to 4 minutes, until just fork-tender.
2) Put onion in skillet with a little olive oil.
3) Add garlic and stir a few seconds.
4) Add ground beef, and chop the pepper.
5) Add the pepper and cook until beef is nearly done.
6) Add liquid and scrape the bottom of the pan.
7) Add spices, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
8) Add pumpkin.
9) Cook another 3 to 4 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired. Makes 3 servings.

Nutritional Information: Each serving has 9 grams effective carbohydrate plus 2.5 grams fiber, 30 grams protein, and 372 calories.

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