Savory Spiced Cider Beef Stew with Delightful Dumplings
This Savory Spiced Cider Beef Stew is a cherished family recipe that has transcended generations. It was born from a beautiful accident when I had a spiced cider mix on hand instead of traditional apple cider. The rich, warm flavors of beef combined with the fragrant spices of the cider create a delightful harmony that warms the soul. Our family considers this stew a quintessential comfort food, especially during chilly days. The fluffy dumplings that crown the stew add a luxurious touch, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, making it a staple on our table. Easily adaptable, you can omit the dumplings for a lighter version or enhance it with seasonal vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition. Once you try it, this stew will surely become a favorite in your household too!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
flour
2 tablespoons (for coating beef)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
vegetable oil
1-2 tablespoons (for browning)
spiced apple cider mix
1 (3/4 ounce) packet
water
3 cups
beef stock
26 ounces (or broth)
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
potato
1 large (peeled and cubed)
baby carrots
12 (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
celery
2 stalks (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
onion
1 medium (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
flour
1/4 cup (for thickening)
cold water
1/2 cup
self-rising flour
1 1/2 cups (or omit baking powder and salt if using self-rising flour)
baking powder
2 teaspoons
salt
3/4 teaspoon
shortening
3 tablespoons
milk
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a large resealable bag, combine the beef stew meat, flour, salt, and pepper. Shake well to coat the meat evenly.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3
Stir in the spiced cider packet, water, beef stock, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4
Add the cubed potato, carrots, celery, and onion to the stew. Bring to a boil again, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
5
To thicken the stew, combine the remaining flour and cold water in a jar with a sealed lid and shake until smooth. Raise the heat to high and slowly pour the flour mixture into the stew while stirring constantly until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
6
For the dumplings, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
7
Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop 10 spoonfuls of this dough onto the hot beef and vegetable mixture, taking care not to place them in directly on the liquid.
8
Cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing them to steam and become fluffy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spiced Cider Beef Stew with Delightful Dumplings?
It is a cherished family comfort food recipe featuring beef, fragrant cider spices, and fluffy dumplings.
What cut of meat should I use for this stew?
Use 1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes.
How do I properly coat the beef?
Place the beef, 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, and pepper in a resealable bag and shake well to coat evenly.
What is the best way to brown the beef?
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven and brown the meat on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes.
What is the key flavor ingredient in this recipe?
The secret is a 3/4 ounce packet of spiced apple cider mix.
How much liquid is required for the stew base?
You will need 3 cups of water and 26 ounces of beef stock or broth.
Why is apple cider vinegar added to the stew?
It provides a balance of acidity to the rich, warm flavors of the beef and spices.
How long does the beef need to simmer before adding vegetables?
It should simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes on low heat while covered.
Which vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a large potato, 12 baby carrots, 2 stalks of celery, and one medium onion.
How should the potato be prepared?
The potato should be peeled and cut into cubes.
What is the recommended size for the other vegetables?
The baby carrots, celery, and onion should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long do the vegetables cook in the stew?
Simmer them for 30 minutes or until both the meat and vegetables are tender.
How can I thicken the stew gravy?
Mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 cup cold water in a sealed jar, shake until smooth, and stir into the boiling stew.
What are the dry ingredients for the dumplings?
Self-rising flour (or regular flour, baking powder, and salt).
Can I use self-rising flour for the dumplings?
Yes, if using self-rising flour, you can omit the additional baking powder and salt.
How do I incorporate shortening into the dumpling dough?
Cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles fine crumbs.
What is the ratio of milk for the dumplings?
Stir in 3/4 cup of milk until just combined.
How many dumplings does this recipe yield?
The dough should be dropped by spoonfuls to make approximately 10 dumplings.
Where should I place the dumplings in the pot?
Drop spoonfuls onto the hot beef and vegetable mixture, taking care not to place them directly in the liquid.
What is the first stage of cooking the dumplings?
Cook them uncovered for 10 minutes.
What is the second stage of cooking the dumplings?
Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Why must the dumplings be covered for the final 10 minutes?
Covering allows them to steam, ensuring they become light and fluffy.
Can I make this stew without dumplings?
Yes, you can omit them for a lighter version of the stew.
Is this recipe adaptable for extra nutrition?
Yes, you can easily enhance it with additional seasonal vegetables.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How did this recipe originate?
It was born from a beautiful accident when spiced cider mix was used instead of traditional apple cider.
What type of weather is best for serving this stew?
It is considered an ideal comfort food for chilly days.
What size is the spiced apple cider mix packet?
It is a 3/4 ounce packet.
What kind of oil is used for browning?
1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How do I ensure the gravy thickening is smooth?
Combine the flour and cold water in a jar with a sealed lid and shake until smooth before adding to the pot.