Description
A hearty and comforting beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings. This recipe is perfect for a family meal and is easy enough for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stew meat (chuck meat)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 large onion
- 4 to 5 carrots
- 3 cups golden potatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 quarts beef stock
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for dumplings)
- 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk
- Fresh herbs (parsley and chives, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and sear the meat: Season 2 pounds of stew meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat with 2 tablespoons of flour. Heat a pot with butter or oil and sear the meat on both sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add a chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and diced rosemary. Season with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Add crushed garlic and tomato paste.
- Combine ingredients and begin stewing: Return the seared meat to the pot. Pour in 2 quarts of beef stock, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add thyme sprigs, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours.
- Prepare the dumpling batter: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Add diced fresh herbs. Cut in 1 tablespoon of room temperature butter until grainy. Gradually add 1/3 cup of milk until a sticky dough forms; add more milk if needed. Do not over-knead. Cover and set aside.
- Add dumplings to the stew: Remove thyme stems from the stew. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter directly into the stew. Cover and steam for about 20 minutes, or place the uncovered pot in a 350°F (175°C) oven for crispy dumplings.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the hot stew, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For crispy dumplings, finish the stew in the oven.
- Ensure the dumpling dough is sticky but not overly wet.
- Adjust milk quantity for dumplings based on dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Oven (optional)
- Cuisine: American