BEEF CASSEROLE AND DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tbspoons of oil in a large pan.
• Add potatoes, carrots, onion, leek and celery and heat gently without browning for 5-10 miNs
• Add mushrooms, stir for 2 mins then add to casserole pot or crock pot.
• Heat the remaing 2 tb spoons of oil and brown the beef - in batches if necessary.
• Add the flour and mix
• Add the beef stock, tomatoes, red wine and Worcester sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper, bring to the boil, reduce heat and add to pot.
• Add bouquet garni and whole garlic bulb to pot. Stir well.
• Oven - 160c for 2.5 - 3 hours
• Slow cooker - high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10hrs (depending on your slow cooker!)
• When cooked remove bouquet garni and garlic bulb.
• For the dumpling -
• Turn oven up to oven to 190degrees C or gas 5
• Put your flour into a mixing bowl
• Using a coarse grater, grate very cold butter into the flour
• Add herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper
• Using your fingers, gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs
• Add a some cold water to help bind it
• Divide the dough into 12 balls. The dumplings will suck up quite a bit of moisture so if your stew looks dry - add a cup of boiling water and give it a good stir.
• brush dumplings with beaten egg to glaze
• Place the dumplings on top of your fully cooked stew.
• Cook in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown.