BEEF STEW AND DUMPLINGS
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Beef Stew and Dumplings, a classic dish that warms the soul. This article guides you through the culinary journey, providing a detailed recipe and insights to help you master this hearty delight.
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Ingredients:
Beef Stew:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Braising steak/Chuck steak | 900 g (2 lbs) |
| Flour | 2 tbsp, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper |
| Hot beef stock (broth) | 480 ml (2 cups) |
| Red wine/Dark ale/Beef stock | 80 ml (⅓ cup) |
| Tomato paste | 3 tbsp |
| Balsamic vinegar/Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Dark soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Onions, finely diced | 2 large |
| Leeks, white parts only, sliced | 2 |
| Carrots, sliced | 5 |
| Parsnips, sliced | 4 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Rosemary sprig | 1 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | To garnish |
| Salt and pepper | As needed |
Light Dumplings (suet free)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Self-raising flour | 125 g (1 cup) |
| Fat-free yogurt | 125 g (½ cup) |
| Chopped parsley or chives | 1 tbsp |
| Grated Parmesan | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic granules | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Water | As needed, to bind |
Suet Dumplings
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Self-raising flour | 125 g (1 cup) |
| Shredded suet or vegetable shortening | 125 g (1 cup) |
| Chopped parsley or chives | 1 tbsp |
| Grated Parmesan | 2 tbsp |
| Horseradish or Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic granules | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Cold water | As needed, to bind |
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for both the stew and the dumplings. Refer to the Ingredients Table for precise measurements.
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Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Cut the braising steak or chuck steak into cubes.
- In a bowl, season flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Toss the beef cubes in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are lightly coated.
Step 3: Set Up the Slow Cooker
- Preheat the slow cooker on “HIGH” while you prepare the ingredients.
- Add hot beef stock (broth), red wine (or dark ale), soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir in finely diced onions, sliced leeks, carrots, and parsnips.
- Add the coated beef cubes to the slow cooker.
- Insert bay leaves and a sprig of rosemary.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
- Cook the stew on “HIGH” for 5 hours or on “LOW” for 8 hours.
- While the stew cooks, proceed to the next steps for dumplings.
Step 5: Prepare Light Dumplings (suet-free)
- In a bowl, combine self-raising flour, fat-free yogurt, chopped parsley or chives, grated Parmesan, garlic granules, and salt.
- Add water gradually to bind the ingredients.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and roll them into balls.
Step 6: Prepare Suet Dumplings
- In a bowl, mix self-raising flour, shredded suet or vegetable shortening, chopped parsley or chives, grated Parmesan, horseradish or mustard, garlic granules, and salt.
- Gradually drizzle in cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and roll them into balls.
Step 7: Add Dumplings to the Stew
- After the initial cooking time, give the stew a good stir.
- Remove bay leaves and the rosemary sprig.
- Place the prepared dumplings in the slow cooker, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover and cook for an additional hour.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve the Beef Stew and Dumplings in bowls, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!
