Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of the British countryside! This mouthwatering Lamb Stew with Dumplings is not just a meal - it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to melt away your hunger and warm your soul. Imagine tender, succulent lamb pieces slowly simmered to perfection, nestled alongside hearty vegetables and topped with the most pillowy, cloud-like dumplings you've ever tasted. Whether you're looking to impress your family or seeking the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the lamb shoulder into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Season the lamb with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned lamb pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the lamb on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned lamb from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Return the browned lamb to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and mix well. Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the ingredients, about 4 cups. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the lamb to become tender.
- While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and any additional herbs you desire. Mix well.
- Add enough cold water to the flour mixture to form a soft dough, typically around 1/2 cup. Mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the dough to ensure fluffy dumplings.
- After the stew has simmered for 1 hour, uncover the pot and drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew. You can make them as large or small as you prefer, but aim for about 1 tablespoon per dumpling.
- Cover the pot again and let the stew simmer for an additional 20 minutes. The dumplings will steam and rise, becoming fluffy and cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the lamb stew hot, ensuring each bowl gets a generous helping of dumplings and vegetables.
- Enjoy your hearty British lamb stew with dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal!
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose lamb shoulder for the most tender and flavorful results. The marbling in shoulder meat ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when searing the lamb. Those golden-brown edges create deep, complex flavors that are crucial to an exceptional stew.
- Dumpling Secrets: The key to fluffy dumplings is minimal mixing. Stir the dough just until it comes together to prevent tough, dense dumplings.
- Liquid Matters: Use beef broth instead of water for an extra layer of flavor. If you have homemade stock, even better!
- Patience is a Virtue: Low and slow is the mantra for this stew. Allow ample time for simmering to ensure the lamb becomes tender and the flavors develop fully.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy, and consider a side of simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
