Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is a winter's dish that can also be served with or without dumplings. However, knocking up dumplings takes no time at all, and helps stretch this dish.

Cut 2 kg beef into small pieces, with some hard fat. Put the meat into a large pot and braise with a large onion, chopped. Add 1.4 liters of hot water, a little salt and pepper and a sprig of thyme.

Cover the pot with a lid, and let it stew for about 2 hours over a slow heat.

Throw in 2 carrots, 1 potato and 1 turnip, cut into square pieces; the white part of a leek, with 1 head of celery chopped fine; and some peas. Cook until tender.

When done, thicken it with flour and butter mixed together. Add to the stew and serve with mashed potatoes or boiled rice.