Introduction:
Beef stew and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich and flavorful gravy. This hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or as a comforting meal on a rainy day, beef stew and dumplings is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
Beef stew and dumplings have roots in traditional European cuisine, particularly in British and Irish cooking. This dish evolved as a way to make the most of simple, affordable ingredients like tough cuts of beef and root vegetables. Over time, beef stew and dumplings became a beloved comfort food dish, cherished for its hearty flavors and comforting qualities. Today, variations of this dish can be found in many cultures around the world, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients Quantity:
For the Beef Stew:
- Stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces: 2 lbs (about 900g)
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion, chopped: 1 large
- Carrots, peeled and chopped: 2 large
- Celery stalks, chopped: 2
- Garlic cloves, minced: 3
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Bay leaves: 2
- Fresh thyme sprigs: 2
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped: for garnish
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tablespoons
- Butter, cold and cubed: 4 tablespoons
- Milk: 1/2 cup
Optional Additions:
- Potatoes, peeled and diced: 2 medium
- Mushrooms, sliced: 8 oz
- Red wine: 1/2 cup (for extra depth of flavor)
- Pearl onions: 1 cup
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) for thickening the stew, if desired
Instructions:
- Coat the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized pieces of stewing beef and toss to coat evenly.
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the coated beef on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Saute the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the Dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, chopped parsley, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
- Finish the Stew:
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the beef stew and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Use a well-marbled cut of beef for the stew, such as chuck roast, which will become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
- Make sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can result in steaming rather than browning.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pot with red wine after sautéing the vegetables, then simmer until the wine has reduced by half before adding the beef broth.
- Keep the stew at a gentle simmer while the dumplings cook to ensure they cook evenly and become fluffy.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Nutritional Information:
The nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Beef stew and dumplings is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. With its tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to warm you from the inside out. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied
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