Vegetable Stew

This hearty and comforting Vegetable Stew with Dumplings is a wholesome meal that combines a medley of fresh vegetables with savory dumplings. It’s a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner, especially during colder months. This recipe allows you to enjoy the natural flavors of carrots, celery, turnips, potatoes, and onions in a rich vegetable broth, topped with fluffy dumplings that soak up the delicious flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of sliced onions
• ½ cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of shredded celery
• ¼ cup of turnips, cut in oblong pieces
• 6 cups of cold vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 small onions, halved
• 4 carrots, cut in quarters
• 6 small squares of turnip
• 5 potatoes, cut in half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dumplings (ingredients and instructions below)

Dumplings:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of milk
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional, for added flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, diced carrots, shredded celery, and pieces of turnip. Toss them in the butter and cook for about fifteen minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Simmer with Broth and Seasonings:

   Pour in the 6 cups of cold vegetable broth or water to the sautéed vegetables. Add the teaspoon of salt, bay leaves, halved small onions, quartered carrots, and small squares of turnip. Allow the mixture to simmer slowly for half an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Add Potatoes:

   After the initial simmering, add the 5 potatoes, cut in half. Continue cooking for an additional half hour, ensuring that the vegetables remain covered with enough vegetable broth.

4. Prepare Dumplings:

   While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in the 2 tablespoons of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ½ cup of milk and mix until a soft dough forms. You can also add chopped fresh herbs to the dumpling mixture for added flavor.

5. Add Dumplings to Stew:

   Once the vegetables are tender and the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to add the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew. Cover the pot tightly and cook for an additional ten minutes. The dumplings will puff up and absorb the flavors of the stew.

6. Season and Serve:

   Season the Vegetable Stew with Dumplings with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Serve the stew in bowls, making sure to include enough of the flavorful stock.

TIPS:

• Dumpling Variations: Get creative with your dumplings by adding herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the dough. These herbs will infuse the dumplings with extra aromatic flavor.
• Vegetable Choice: Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables. You can use seasonal produce or use what’s available in your kitchen to make this stew a versatile and ever-changing dish.
• Thickening the Stock: If you prefer a thicker stock, you can mix a little flour and butter to create a roux and add it to the simmering stew to thicken the stock before adding the dumplings.

This Vegetable Stew with Dumplings is a nourishing and satisfying meal that combines the wholesome goodness of vegetables with the comfort of dumplings. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a soul-warming soup, this recipe has it all. With the flexibility to customize the ingredients, you can make it your own signature dish. So, gather your vegetables and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of stew.