Butternut squash mince (GAPS)

Herbed minced beef with garlic butternut squash

A simple idea for an easy lunch or dinner. Ditch the pasta or the potato, butternut squash is the seasonal autumn flavour.

You will need (feeds 2 to 3):
400 g beef mince
1 large butternut squash
3 medium-large onions
1 tbsp tomato puree (optional)
4 garlic cloves
1 cm fresh ginger
1/2 cm fresh turmeric
medium bunch fresh parsley
medium bunch fresh thyme
small bunch fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
4 ladle beef bone broth
4 tbsp ghee
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
coarse Himalayan rock salt
freshly ground black pepper

1. Melt 2 tbsp ghee in a pan, add the finely diced 2 onions, 2 thinly sliced garlic and the very finely sliced ginger. Cook on medium-low heat for 8 to 10 mins, stirring a few times.
2. Add the minced beef, and cook on medium-high heat fro about 5 mins, stirring continuously.
3. Add 2 ladle of beef bone broth, the fresh parsley and coriander leaves, and most of the fresh thyme leaves (reserve 1 or 2 tbsp for serving), stir in the tomato puree (if using), cover with a lid, and gently cook on low heat for about 30 to 45 mins. Season with Himalayan rock salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Cut the butternut squash in half, carve out the seeds (wash, dry, then gently roast them for a great snack), cut the halves into slices, about half and inch thick, cut off the skin, then cube the flesh.
5. Melt the remaining 2 tbsp ghee in a pot, add the remaining finely diced onion. Cook on medium heat for about 5 mins.
6. Add the diced butternut squash, stir to cover with the ghee and onions. Cook for about 3 to 4 mins.
7. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic and the pureed fresh turmeric, sprinkle with the freshly grated nutmeg. Add the remaining 2 ladle of beef bone broth and just enough water to keep the squash covered with liquid. Cover with a lid and gently cook on low heat for 12 to 15 mins, until soft but still firm.
8. Ladle the butternut squash in a soup plate (or bowl), top with the herbed beef mince, finally sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Enjoy!

[i] For more GAPS recipe ideas please visit my GAPS recipes selection.