If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dinner option, beef stew with dumplings is a great choice. The combination of tender chunks of beef, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings make for a delicious and comforting meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making beef stew with dumplings from scratch, covering everything from the ingredients you’ll need to the final touches. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The first step in making any recipe is to gather all of your ingredients. For this beef stew with dumplings recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
Before you start cooking, it’s important to make sure that all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This means chopping your onion, mincing your garlic, and slicing your carrots and celery. You’ll also want to make sure that your beef is cut into evenly sized cubes, so that it cooks evenly.
Once you have all of your ingredients prepped, you can start cooking. Begin by browning the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add in your onion and garlic and cook until softened. Next, add in your tomato paste, beef broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for about an hour, or until the beef is tender.
Preparing the Beef for the Stew
The first step in making beef stew with dumplings is to prepare the beef. Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Next, add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and your choice of herbs and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
How to Make a Flavorful Broth for Your Stew
The key to a delicious beef stew is a flavorful broth. To make the broth, add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the beef broth and water and stir until everything is well combined. Add in the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add in some chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the broth for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix in some cornstarch or flour with cold water and add it to the pot, stirring constantly until it thickens.
It’s important to note that the longer you let the broth simmer, the more flavorful it will become. You can even make the broth a day ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to make your stew, simply reheat the broth and add in your desired meat and vegetables.
Adding Vegetables to Your Stew for Extra Nutrition
While the broth is simmering, you can prepare the vegetables for your stew. Peel and slice two carrots and two celery stalks, then add them to the pot. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook for about 20-25 minutes, until they are tender.
Adding vegetables to your stew not only adds flavor and texture, but also provides extra nutrition. Carrots and celery are great sources of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value of your stew. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favorite recipe.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Dumplings
The dumplings are what make this dish truly special. To make the perfect dumplings, start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until everything is well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
Once you have the dough ready, it’s time to shape the dumplings. Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat until all the dough has been used up. You can make the dumplings as big or as small as you like, but keep in mind that they will expand as they cook.
When it comes to cooking the dumplings, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the liquid you are cooking them in is at a gentle simmer. If the liquid is boiling too vigorously, the dumplings may fall apart. Second, resist the urge to stir the dumplings once they are in the pot. This can also cause them to break apart. Finally, cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
Step by Step Guide to Making Dumplings from Scratch
To make the dumplings, use a spoon to drop the dough onto the surface of the beef stew. Make sure to space the dumplings out evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
One important tip to keep in mind when making dumplings from scratch is to not overwork the dough. Overworking the dough can result in tough and chewy dumplings. It’s best to mix the ingredients until just combined and then let the dough rest for a few minutes before shaping and dropping into the stew.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Perfect Consistency in Your Stew
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making beef stew with dumplings is that the consistency should be thick and hearty. If you find that your stew is too thin, you can add a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. Simply mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for a few minutes until the stew thickens up.
Another way to achieve the perfect consistency in your stew is to use a slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce, resulting in a thicker stew. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also simmer the stew on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally.
It’s also important to use the right amount of liquid in your stew. Too much liquid can result in a thin consistency, while too little can cause the stew to become dry. As a general rule, use enough liquid to cover the ingredients and then add more as needed. You can always thicken the stew later if necessary.
How to Store and Reheat Your Beef Stew with Dumplings
If you have leftover beef stew with dumplings, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply transfer the stew into a pot and place it on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until it is heated through.
It is important to note that when reheating beef stew with dumplings, you should avoid using a microwave as it can cause the dumplings to become tough and rubbery. If you do need to use a microwave, make sure to cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap to trap in the moisture.
Another tip for storing beef stew with dumplings is to separate the dumplings from the stew before storing. This will prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy and falling apart. You can store the dumplings separately in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Your Delicious Beef Stew
Beef stew with dumplings is a classic comfort food that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent meal.
Now that you know how to make beef stew with dumplings from scratch, give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your beef stew, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs can add a fragrant aroma and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
For a heartier meal, you can also add some vegetables to your beef stew. Carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions that can add some extra nutrition and texture to the dish.