Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew with Savory Herb Dumplings

Instructions

1. 1

   In a resealable plastic bag, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown the seasoned beef in oil over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer the beef for 1-1/2 hours until tender.

3. 3

   Add the potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. If desired, add a splash of browning sauce to deepen the color and flavor of the stew.

4. 4

   For the dumplings, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, thyme, and sage. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just moistened.

5. 5

   Drop the dumpling dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the simmering stew. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean. Serve the hearty beef and vegetable stew with the fluffy herb dumplings immediately.