Beef and Ale Stew – Beef stew simmered in ale.
- 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 12 ounces ale
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beef and Ale Stew captures the essence of rustic comfort food, combining tender chunks of beef with an assortment of hearty vegetables, all braised gently in a rich and flavorful ale-infused broth. The process begins with browning the beef to develop a deep savory flavor, followed by the addition of onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, which provide sweetness and body. A good-quality ale is then poured over the ingredients to deglaze the pan and introduce a malty depth to the stew. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add an aromatic touch, and a long, slow cook results in a dish that's both warming and satisfying. This stew is ideal for chilly days and can be served over mashed potatoes, with a hunk of crusty bread, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Prepare yourself for a traditional British comfort food classic with a gourmet twist by none other than the culinary maestro, Gordon Ramsay. This Hearty Beef and Ale Stew with Mustard Dumplings is a robust dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Featuring tender pieces of beef slow-cooked in ale with flavorful vegetables and topped with fluffy mustard-infused dumplings, this recipe is as delightful to prepare as it is to devour.
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into large chunks
- Seasoning (salt and freshly ground pepper)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Olive oil, for browning
- 4 large carrots, cut to a similar size as beef
- 10-12 pearl onions, whole
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 16 ounces of quality ale or stout
- Beef stock, enough to cover the meat and vegetables
For the Mustard Dumplings:
- 1 cup self-raising flour (or plain flour for firmer dumplings)
- 4-5 tablespoons suet
- 2-3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- Warm water, as needed
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Equipment: Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot, mixing bowls
Servings: 4-6 people
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
2. Season your beef chunks with salt and pepper, then dust with flour to coat lightly.
3. In a large ovenproof pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the carrots, pearl onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves until they start to color.
5. Stir the tomato puree into the pot and cook for another minute before returning the beef to the pot.
6. Pour in the ale, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan. Add enough beef stock to cover the beef and vegetables.
7. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for about 2 and a half hours or until the beef is tender.
8. Meanwhile, make the dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour with suet, add the whole grain mustard, and mix gently. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms.
9. With floured hands, shape dumpling dough into balls.
10. After the stew has cooked for 2 and a half hours, remove the lid and carefully place dumplings on top of the stew.
11. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and return the pot to the oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and puffed up.
12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, then serve hot directly from the pot.
Cooking Tips:
- Browning the beef in seasoned flour not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the stew as it cooks.
- Keep the size of carrots similar to the beef chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Pearl onions are added whole to maintain their shape and succulence.
This recipe is inspired by Gordon Ramsay's passion for hearty and flavorful dishes. For more culinary inspiration, visit his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@gordonramsay
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