Hearty Savory Beef Stew Dumplings
This cherished recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and comfort to our family dinners. The savory beef stew, infused with rich flavors and tender meat, is perfectly complemented by these light and fluffy dumplings. Unlike traditional baking powder biscuits, these dumplings absorb the stew's essence, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture. Whether it's a chilly evening or a gathering with loved ones, these dumplings have always been a family favorite, ensuring you savor every delicious bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 1/2 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
baking powder
3 teaspoons (none)
sage
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
celery salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
shortening or margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons (chilled and cut into small pieces)
water
3/4 cup (cold)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sage, celery salt, dried parsley, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
2
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the chilled shortening or margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Gradually add the cold water to the dry mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be light and slightly sticky.
4
Bring your carefully prepared beef stew to a gentle simmer in a large pot. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the surface of the hot stew, spacing them apart as they will expand while cooking.
5
Cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes. After this, cover the pot with a lid and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and become tender.
6
Serve the stew and dumplings immediately, ensuring that each serving is generous and warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Savory Beef Stew Dumplings?
This is a cherished family recipe for light and fluffy dumplings specifically designed to absorb the rich flavors of a savory beef stew.
How much flour is required for the dumplings?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted before use.
What type of baking powder should be used?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of standard baking powder to help the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
What savory seasonings are included in the dough?
The dough is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use margarine instead of shortening?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 1/2 tablespoons of either chilled shortening or margarine.
How should the shortening be prepared?
The shortening or margarine should be chilled and cut into small pieces before being added to the dry ingredients.
What is the secret to mixing the dough?
The key is to cut in the fat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and then add cold water, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
How much water is needed for the dumpling mixture?
You will need 3/4 cup of cold water to bring the dry ingredients and fat together into a dough.
Should the water be hot or cold?
The recipe specifies using cold water to maintain the integrity of the chilled fat in the dough.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
The dough should be light and slightly sticky once the water is stirred in.
How do I add the dumplings to the stew?
Drop the dumpling mixture by spoonfuls onto the surface of a gently simmering beef stew.
Do the dumplings need space while cooking?
Yes, you should space the spoonfuls apart because the dumplings will expand as they cook.
How long do the dumplings cook uncovered?
The dumplings should first be cooked uncovered on the simmering stew for 10 minutes.
What is the second stage of the cooking process?
After cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, cover the pot with a lid and cook for another 10 minutes.
Why is the pot covered during the final stage?
Covering the pot allows the dumplings to steam, which makes them tender and fully cooked.
How many ingredients are in the dumpling recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: flour, baking powder, sage, celery salt, dried parsley, salt, shortening/margarine, and water.
Are these dumplings different from biscuits?
Yes, unlike traditional baking powder biscuits, these are designed to absorb the stew's essence for a better balance of taste.
What is the recommended serving style?
The stew and dumplings should be served immediately while they are generous and warm.
Is this a quick recipe or a traditional one?
This is a traditional family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
What tool is recommended for cutting in the shortening?
A pastry cutter or a fork is recommended for cutting the chilled fat into the flour mixture.
What are the flavor profiles of these dumplings?
They are savory and herbal, thanks to the inclusion of sage, parsley, and celery salt.
Can these be served during gatherings?
Absolutely, they are described as a family favorite perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings with loved ones.
Is the beef stew recipe provided in this text?
No, the instructions assume you have a carefully prepared beef stew already simmering in a large pot.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include beef stew, dumplings, comfort food, savory, hearty, and soups and stews.
What is the preparation for the sage?
The sage used in this dumpling recipe should be dried.
What should I do if my dough is too tough?
Ensure you did not overmix the dough and used chilled shortening; the dough should only be stirred until just combined.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but the recipe encourages generous portions.
Is celery salt different from regular salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses both for a more complex savory flavor profile.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under soups and stews as well as breads due to the dumpling components.
Does the recipe require sifting the flour?
Yes, the preparation notes specify that the all-purpose flour should be sifted.