Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in this beef stew?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes.
What kind of oil should I use for browning the beef?
You can use either olive oil or canola oil for browning the meat.
Why is the beef rolled in flour before cooking?
Rolling the beef in flour helps to brown the meat effectively and thickens the stew broth as it simmers.
What are the liquid components of the stew base?
The stew base consists of 8 ounces of tomato sauce and 2 cups of beef stock.
What herbs and spices are used to season the beef stew?
The stew is seasoned with bay leaves, pepper, marjoram, salt, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, and beef roast seasoning.
How long should the beef stew simmer before adding the dumplings?
The stew should simmer gently on low heat for approximately 2 hours.
How should the carrots be prepared for this recipe?
The carrots should be peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
What are the dry ingredients for the savory mustard dumplings?
The dry ingredients include 1 cup of sifted flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground celery seed, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
What wet ingredients are needed for the dumpling dough?
The dough requires 1/3 cup of milk, 1 beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
What should the consistency of the dumpling dough be?
The dumpling dough should be soft but not sticky.
How thick should the dumpling dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
How do I shape the dumplings?
You can use a small circular cutter, such as a doughnut hole cutter, to cut out the dumplings.
How are the dumplings cooked in the stew?
The dumplings are dropped onto the surface of the simmering stew and steamed under a tightly covered lid.
How long do the mustard dumplings take to cook?
The dumplings take about 10 minutes to steam and cook through.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
It is recommended to serve the stew garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness when slow-cooked, other stewing beef cuts can be used.
Do I need to cover the pot during the initial 2-hour simmer?
Yes, the pot should be partially covered while the stew simmers for the first 2 hours.
What is the purpose of browning the beef on all sides?
Browning the beef develops a rich color and enhances the overall flavor profile of the stew.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The exact number of servings is not specified, but the recipe uses 2 lbs of meat and 1 lb of carrots, making it a hearty family meal.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, this hearty stew is described as being perfect for chilly nights and winter days.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
While this recipe specifically calls for onions and carrots, you can add other root vegetables if desired.
What heat level is best for cooking the stew?
After browning and mixing, the heat should be reduced to low for a gentle simmer.
How many bay leaves are included?
The recipe calls for 2 bay leaves for flavor.
What is the role of mustard powder in the dumplings?
Mustard powder provides the savory, signature 'mustard' flavor to the dumplings.
Do I mix the stock ingredients directly in the pot?
The instructions suggest mixing the tomato sauce, stock, and seasonings in a separate bowl before pouring them over the meat and vegetables.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large heavy stock pot is recommended for even heating and simmering.
How much beef roast seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of beef roast seasoning.
Should the milk be whisked with the egg?
Yes, the milk and beaten egg should be whisked together before being added to the dry dumpling ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 24 total ingredients listed for both the stew and the dumplings.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
The dumplings are best prepared while the stew is simmering and cooked immediately for the best texture.