Slow Cooker Recipes Beef Stew And Dumplings Uk
Introduction
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal that's easy to make, then look no further than slow cooker beef stew and dumplings. This classic British dish is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and filling. And the best part? You can make it in your slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to make slow cooker beef stew and dumplings in the UK.
Ingredients
The ingredients for slow cooker beef stew and dumplings are simple and easy to find. Here's what you'll need:
- 1kg beef stewing steak, diced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 500ml beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the dumplings:
- 125g self-raising flour
- 55g suet
- A pinch of salt
- A few tablespoons of cold water
Instructions
Here are the steps to make slow cooker beef stew and dumplings:
- Place the beef, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, beef stock, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together, making sure the beef is coated in the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, mix the self-raising flour, suet, and salt together in a bowl. Add a few tablespoons of cold water to make a stiff dough.
- Remove the lid from the slow cooker and drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the stew.
- Replace the lid and cook for another 30 minutes on high.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, serve the stew and dumplings hot.
Tips
Here are some tips to make the perfect slow cooker beef stew and dumplings:
- Choose a good quality beef stewing steak for the best results.
- Make sure the beef is coated in the liquid before cooking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavour.
- Don't overwork the dumpling dough, as this can make it tough.
- Make sure you cook the dumplings for the right amount of time, or they may be doughy in the middle.
Variations
Here are some variations you can try with slow cooker beef stew and dumplings:
- Add chopped potatoes or parsnips to the stew for extra vegetables.
- Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Replace the dumplings with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Add a splash of red wine to the stew for extra depth of flavour.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour.
Conclusion
Slow cooker beef stew and dumplings is a classic British dish that's perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and filling. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can make this hearty meal in your slow cooker with minimal effort. Try adding your own variations to create a unique flavour that's all your own. Enjoy!