Name: Argentinian Beef & Pumpkin Soup (Locro)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional); 700 g beef stew meat (chuck), cubed; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 3 cups butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled & cubed; 1 cup dried hominy (or canned, rinsed); 2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 8 cups beef or vegetable broth; Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped; Crusty bread or traditional pan casero; Optional: A spoonful of salsa criolla or hot sauce

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryBeef, Soups

Locro is a hearty and soul-warming stew rooted in Andean tradition and widely celebrated across Argentina, especially on national holidays. This version combines tender chunks of beef, creamy pumpkin, hominy corn, and bold spices to create a deeply flavorful and rustic dish. Each spoonful evokes the warmth of home kitchens and communal gatherings.

Yields6 Servings

Prep Time20 minsCook Time2 hrsTotal Time2 hrs 20 mins

For the Soup Base

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

700 g beef stew meat (chuck), cubed

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Legumes

3 cups butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled & cubed

1 cup dried hominy (or canned, rinsed)

2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced

2 carrots, sliced

1 tsp dried oregano

8 cups beef or vegetable broth

For Serving:

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Crusty bread or traditional pan casero

Optional: A spoonful of salsa criolla or hot sauce

Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and aromatic.
Stir in paprika, cumin, and chili flakes, and toast for 30 seconds.

Brown the Beef

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.

Build the Soup

Add squash, potatoes, carrots, oregano, and hominy. Stir to coat in the seasoning.
Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours. Stir occasionally, checking for tenderness.

Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil or salsa criolla.

Suggested Pairings

Wine: A robust Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon
Side: Warm cornbread or crusty baguette
Finish: Dulce de leche flan for a classic Argentinian finale

Ingredients