Slow Cooker Beef with Eggplant, Pomegranate and Gentle Cinnamon

Name: Slow Cooker Beef with Eggplant, Pomegranate and Gentle Cinnamon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Fusión mediterránea
Ingredients: 2 lb beef chuck, cubed; 1 lb eggplant; 1 1/2 cups yellow onion; 1 tbsp garlic; 14 oz crushed tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp rice flour; 1/3 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds; 1 tbsp lemon juice

An original slow-cooked beef stew with tender eggplant, onion, tomato, a touch of cinnamon, and pomegranate molasses for a deep, lightly fruity, aromatic sauce. Finished with pomegranate seeds and parsley for freshness.

20 minPrep

360 minCook

380 minTotal

6Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

900 g beef chuck, cubed (1.5 inch)
500 g eggplant (diced large)
200 g yellow onion (en pluma fina)
15 g garlic (chopped)
400 g crushed tomatoes (en lata or casero)
240 ml beef broth (low sodium if possible)
45 ml pomegranate molasses (aporta acidez and dulzor)
30 ml olive oil (divided)
2 g ground cinnamon (suave, no dominante)
2 g ground cumin
4 g sweet paprika
8 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
16 g rice flour (for cubrir lightly the carne)
15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
80 g pomegranate seeds (for terminar)
15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Nutrition facts

per serving

372 kcal

Calories

33 g

Protein

14 g

Carbs

20 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

10 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Sulfites

Instructions

1
1. Pat the beef chuck dry with paper towels and toss it with the rice flour, 1 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, and ground cinnamon until lightly coated.
2
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for 6 to 8 minutes, working in batches if needed, until colored on several sides. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
3
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the yellow onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
4
4. Add the cubed eggplant, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, pomegranate molasses, remaining salt, and lemon juice to the slow cooker. Stir well to distribute the ingredients around the beef.
5
5. Cover and cook in the slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the eggplant has nearly melted into the sauce. If you prefer HIGH, cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. If you want to hold it before serving, use the WARM setting, usually around 140 to 165 °F / 60 to 74 °C.
6
6. Uncover, taste the sauce, and adjust the salt if needed. If the sauce is too loose, let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes in the turned-off slow cooker so it thickens slightly.
7
7. Serve the beef hot and finish each portion with chopped fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds on top for freshness and texture.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, brown the beef well without overcrowding the pan. Cut the eggplant into large cubes so it does not completely disappear during the long cook. For a brighter sauce, add a few extra drops of lemon juice just before serving.

Substitutions

You can swap the beef chuck for another stewing cut such as shoulder. Rice flour can be replaced with cornstarch in the same amount if you prefer to thicken at the end instead of the beginning. If you do not have pomegranate molasses, mix 2 tablespoons reduced pomegranate juice with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, though the flavor will be different.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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