As autumn’s chill sets in, we crave warm, comforting meals that fill us with warmth and happiness. And what could be more perfect than a hearty bowl of stew? Nadiya Hussain, a culinary legend best known for winning the Great British Bake Off, understands this perfectly. In her cookbook ‘Cook Once, Eat Twice’, she shares her simple recipe for beef stew with dumplings, a dish that embodies cozy autumn evenings.
Nadiya describes her beef stew as “heart-filling and warming”, a sentiment echoed by many who find solace in its comforting flavors. She especially loves making it with dumplings, transforming it into a complete meal that requires minimal fuss.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, with everything cooked in one pan. You simply let it simmer away until the beef becomes incredibly tender and bursting with flavor.
Here’s how to make Nadiya Hussain’s beef stew and dumplings:
For the Stew:
* 500g beef chunks
* 500ml water
* Two onions, cut into small chunks
* Three carrots peeled and cut into 1cm coins
* One tablespoon garlic paste
* Two tablespoons paprika
* Two tablespoons black pepper
* Two tablespoons fine salt
* Four tablespoons beef gravy granules
* Three tablespoons oil
* Large sprig of lemon thyme
For the Dumplings:
* 200g self-raising flour
* 115g salted butter, cut into small chunks
* Three tablespoons water (you may need more)
* One egg, beaten
* Chopped fresh chives, to garnish
* Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1.
Start with the Stew:
Pour the oil into a large pan with a lid. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, lemon thyme, and salt. Cook until the onions turn a beautiful golden brown. Nadiya advises that if the onions stick to the bottom, don’t worry! It adds flavor. Simply add a splash of water to release them.2.
Add the Flavor:
Now, add the garlic paste, chopped carrots, and beef chunks to the pan. Cook until the meat has browned nicely. Season generously with black pepper and paprika. Pour the water into the pan, give it a good mix, and place it on low heat with the lid on. Let it simmer for 45 minutes.3.
Make the Dumplings:
While the stew simmers, make the dumplings. In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, and salt. Rub the ingredients together with your fingertips until there are no lumps left. Gradually add water to form a dough. Divide the dough into eight portions, roll each into a ball, and brush the top with beaten egg.4.
Assemble and Cook:
After 45 minutes, remove the lid from the stew, stir in the gravy granules, and lower the heat. Carefully add the dumplings to the top of the stew, replace the lid, and cook on the lowest setting for 25 minutes.5.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the stew from the heat, take out the thyme stalks, and your delicious stew is ready to serve! Garnish with fresh chives for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.Nadiya’s beef stew with dumplings is a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that warms both the body and the soul, making it perfect for any occasion. So, gather your loved ones, settle in, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this culinary gem.
