Hearty Beef Stew with Fluffy Herb Dumplings

Hearty Beef Stew With Fluffy Herb Dumplings

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Get Cosy with Proper Stew and Dumplings
Fancy a bit of comfort food stew dumplings ? Honestly, who doesn't? I'm talking that hug-in-a-bowl feeling. This recipe is about a classic beef stew, all rich and savoury, crowned with light and fluffy dumplings recipe homemade .
Grandma's Comfort in a Bowl
This traditional stew and dumplings dish is rooted in simple farmhouse cooking. It's about using what you've got to create something truly nourishing.
This version requires a bit of patience, but it's well worth the wait. The recipe yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week.
Why You'll Love This
Packed with tender beef and fluffy dumplings, this stew with dumplings recipe easy is a winner. It's high in protein and iron, ideal for a hearty, warming meal.
It's brilliant for a Sunday dinner, or any occasion when you need a bit of a pick-me-up. What makes this recipe special? It's the homemade dumplings recipe .
They're soft, herby, and perfectly complement the rich beef stew.
Ready to ditch the ready meals and get cooking? Let's dive into those ingredients. You'll be making homemade drop dumplings recipe in no time.
Alright, let's get this show on the road! Stew dumplings , a proper bit of comfort food , innit? Think Sunday roast at your nan's, but even more satisfying.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
So, you wanna whip up this comfort food stew dumplings ? Here's what you'll need. No faffing about, just the essentials.
Main Ingredients
Okay, pay attention, especially to the beef. This is where quality matters.
For the Beef Stew:
- Beef Chuck Roast: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) , cubed. Look for marbling, yeah? That fat means flavour. If you can find a lovely cut of beef then the beef stew with dumplings will be amazing.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tbsp (25g)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Yellow Onion: 2 medium , chopped (about 300g )
- Carrots: 3 medium , chopped (about 300g )
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 150g )
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced
- Beef Broth: 1 litre (4.2 cups)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (2g)
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp (1g)
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Frozen Peas: 200g (1 cup) . A right classic, traditional stew and dumplings ingredient!
For the Herb Dumplings : The key to a fluffy dumplings recipe homemade .
- All-Purpose Flour: 225g (1 3/4 cups)
- Baking Powder: 2 tsp (8g)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (3g)
- Unsalted Butter: 50g (1/4 cup) , cold and cubed. Proper cold , mind.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp , chopped
- Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp , chopped
- Milk: 120-150ml (1/2 - 2/3 cup) . Add slowly, till it just comes together.
Seasoning Notes: Adding Some Oomph
A bit of thyme and rosemary really wakes things up. Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Don't skimp on the salt and pepper.
You know? It makes all the difference. The secret weapon to create best stew and dumplings recipe . If you do not have these items you can create you homemade dumplings recipe and a great meal with only a few ingredients!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Dutch Oven: A big, heavy pot is ideal.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Obvious, innit?
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get your measurements right.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Or two spoons. For dropping them dumplings! If you do not have this you can always use how to make homemade dumplings for chicken and dumplings instructions to help guide you.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy-bottomed pot will do. You can always use a soup ladle for the easy dumpling recipe for stew .
No fancy equipment needed for a homemade drop dumplings recipe . This recipe is a great example of stew with dumplings recipe easy !.
And there you have it! You are ready to make comfort food stew dumplings !.
Cooking Method: Nailin' Those Stew Dumplings!
Right, so you wanna learn how to make comfort food stew dumplings that'll knock your socks off? I get it.
There's nothing quite like a proper beef stew with dumplings on a cold evening. Let's ditch the shop-bought stuff and whip up some magic from scratch, shall we? We are talking real traditional stew and dumplings .
Prep Steps: Gettin' Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, essential mise en place is key. Chop your 2 medium yellow onions , 3 medium carrots , and 2 celery stalks like a pro.
Measure out your 3 tbsp all-purpose flour , herbs (like 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary ), and other bits and bobs.
Having everything ready before you start cooking saves time and prevents a right old panic later. Honestly, it's a game changer!
A quick reminder: hot oil and sharp knives need respect. So, keep your wits about you and let's avoid any kitchen mishaps.
Step-by-Step Process: The Nitty-Gritty
Alright, time to get cooking!
- Coat your 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck roast , cubed, with 3 tbsp flour , salt, and pepper.
- Brown the beef in batches in 2 tbsp olive oil . Get a good colour! Then, set aside.
- Sauté your chopped veg until soft, about 5 minutes .
- Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute . Deglaze with 1 litre (4.2 cups) beef broth .
- Add the beef back, with 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce , herbs, and 1 bay leaf . Simmer for 2 hours covered, or until the beef is tender.
- For the homemade dumplings recipe , whisk together 225g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour , 2 tsp (8g) baking powder , and 1/2 tsp (3g) salt . Cut in 50g (1/4 cup) cold butter until it resembles crumbs.
- Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley , 2 tbsp fresh chives , and enough milk (120-150ml) to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 20- 25 minutes , until golden.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Dumplings
Want fluffy dumplings recipe homemade ? Use cold butter and don't overmix the dough. I've learned that the hard way. Trust me !
A common mistake to avoid is lifting the lid too often while the dumplings are cooking. Patience, young Padawan! This will result in soggy dumplings.
For the easy dumpling recipe for stew , make the stew ahead of time! The flavour will only get better.
This is the best stew and dumplings recipe and it is so tasty and delicious, full of flavour and perfect for your sunday meal with the family.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Making stew dumplings isn't just about following the recipe; it's about making it yours .
Here are a few things I've learned along the way, including my tried-and-true easy dumpling recipe for stew .
Recipe Tweaks & Tasty Tips
Serving It Up Right
Honestly, presentation matters. Think about plating. Ladle the comfort food stew dumplings into a deep bowl. Then top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
A dollop of crème fraîche doesn't hurt either, you know? Crusty bread is essential for mopping up all that gorgeous gravy! As for drinks? A nice, robust red wine goes down a treat.
Buttered green beans or some mashed potatoes are killer sides.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The stew keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
Now, freezing is an option, but the dumplings can get a bit soggy. Honestly, I'd recommend freezing the stew on its own.
Then make a fresh batch of Homemade Dumplings Recipe when you're ready to eat it. Reheating? Gentle does it. A low simmer on the hob is best.
Or, you can microwave it, but watch out for explosions!
Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? Instead of beef, try lamb! Lamb stew with dumplings is just as good, trust me. Plus, if you want a meat-free version, load it with root veggies and lentils.
It's a really proper vegetarian stew with dumplings. If you want to make a Homemade Drop Dumplings Recipe , swap in mashed potatoes and add grated cheddar for a fluffy dumplings recipe homemade .
This makes them extra special.
Nutrition Snippets
This is a hearty meal. Expect around 550-650 calories per serving, with a good whack of protein and carbs. But hey, it's all about balance, right? The beef gives you iron, and the veggies offer vitamins.
It's basically a hug in a bowl.
So there you have it! A few notes to help you nail those stew dumplings . Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.
Cooking should be fun, not a chore, so get stuck in and enjoy the process. This traditional stew and dumplings recipe is here to guide you! You will have the best stew and dumplings recipe soon enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stew dumplings ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the stew base a day or two in advance. In fact, many would say it tastes even better the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it's best to make the dumplings fresh right before cooking, as they can get a bit soggy if left to sit.
My dumplings are always dense and heavy! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded sinker dumplings! The key is to use cold butter and not overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough dumplings. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh – that's what gives them their lovely lift. Think of it like making scones – a gentle touch is key!
How can I adapt this stew dumplings recipe to be vegetarian?
Going veggie with stew and dumplings is a doddle! Swap the beef for hearty vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and mushrooms. Use a good quality vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich base. You could even add some lentils for extra protein and a bit of heft. Cheese dumplings, as mentioned earlier, would also be great here!
How do I store leftover stew dumplings, and how long will they last?
Store leftover stew and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for 2-3 days. Be aware that the dumplings may become a little softer in the fridge, but they'll still taste delicious. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth to the stew to loosen it up a bit – like bringing it back to life!
Can I freeze stew and dumplings? What's the best way to reheat it?
Freezing stew and dumplings isn't ideal, as the dumplings can become quite mushy upon thawing. If you're determined to freeze it, separate the stew from the dumplings if possible. Freeze the stew in an airtight container. When reheating, make a fresh batch of dumplings to add to the thawed and reheated stew for the best results, like a bit of a "makeover" for your leftover stew!
I'm on a diet. Are stew dumplings healthy and are there any lighter options for stew dumplings?
While stew and dumplings is proper comfort food, it can be quite calorie-dense. To make it lighter, use leaner cuts of beef, trim any excess fat, and load up on vegetables. For the dumplings, use wholemeal flour and reduce the amount of butter. Alternatively, you could make mini dumplings or serve smaller portions. Consider adding a side of steamed green vegetables to increase the fibre and nutrition.