Beef stew with small bread rolls
Beef Stew with Fluffy Dumplings
If you're looking for a comforting recipe with enticing flavors and a rich sauce, beef stew with dumplings is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only fill your home with the aroma of food cooked with love, but it will also bring warmth and familiarity to every plate. In this guide, I will walk you through each step to achieve a perfect result, and by the end, you'll have a dish that will delight both family and friends.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the stew:
- 700 g lean beef
- 500 g white onion (about 5 medium onions)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 medium carrots
- 800 ml beef broth or water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
- 300 g flour
- 200 ml milk, buttermilk, or yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 70 g butter or margarine
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
A Brief Story
Beef stew is a traditional dish cherished in many cultures for its versatility and rich flavors. It’s a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table, a perfect way to savor moments together. The fluffy dumplings add a special element to this dish, serving as an ideal accompaniment to the delicious sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the meat
Start by washing the beef well, then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut the meat into cubes of about 2 cm. This size will allow the meat to cook evenly and become tender.
2. Brown the meat
In a large pot or pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and let them brown for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The golden color you achieve is essential for an intense flavor.
3. Add the onion and carrots
Once the meat is browned, add the sliced onion and sugar. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and starts to take on a golden hue. This step will bring a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Add the carrots, sliced into rounds, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
4. Add the tomatoes and liquid
Incorporate the diced tomatoes, broth or water, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a boil over high heat, then reduce the temperature to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 45-50 minutes or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
5. Prepare the dumplings
While the stew is cooking, prepare the dumplings. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and diced butter. Mix everything until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.
Add the milk or yogurt and the chopped parsley. Mix well until you have a soft, homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
6. Shape the dumplings
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. With floured hands, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1.5-2 cm. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out the dumpling shapes. Carefully place them on top of the stew.
7. Bake
Place the pot with the stew and dumplings in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings become golden and fluffy. The aroma will be irresistible!
8. Serve
Serve this delicious beef stew with warm dumplings. You can add a fresh salad on the side or a yogurt sauce to complete the meal. This stew is delicious both immediately and reheated, covered with aluminum foil.
Tips and Variations
- Ingredient variations: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or potatoes, depending on your preferences.
- Spices: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the stew.
- Dumplings can be substituted: If you don’t have time for dumplings, a serving of polenta or mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the beef stew.
- Recommended drinks: A red drink, such as wine or tomato juice, will complement this dish perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes, you can use pork or even chicken, but the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat.
2. Can the stew be frozen?
Yes, it’s an excellent dish for freezing. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.
3. Can I make the dumplings in advance?
Dumplings are best when cooked fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator.
This beef stew recipe with dumplings is not only easy to make but also offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy your time in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and textures. I hope you try this recipe and bring a touch of joy to your table, savoring every bite!
Ingredients: For the stew: 700g lean beef, 500g white onion (about 5 onions), 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 medium carrots, 800 ml beef broth or water, 1 can diced tomatoes (400g), 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. For the rolls: 300g flour, 200ml milk, buttermilk or yogurt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 70g butter or margarine, 1/2 bunch of parsley.
