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Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Gordon Ramsay’s beef stew recipe, a classic dish perfect for any occasion. This hearty recipe combines tender beef with savory vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fluffy dumplings, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Learn how to prepare this time-honored favorite with Gordon Ramsay’s expert guidance.
Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Stew Recipe
Equipment Needed
- Casserole dish or ovenproof pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Flour sifter or small sieve (for dusting flour)
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 700g beef strips (cut into chunks)
- 500ml ale or beer
- 300ml beef stock
- 150g pearl onions or 2 medium onions (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 carrots (peeled, sliced, and cut into chunks)
- 4 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 3 teaspoons tomato puree
- 4 sprigs of thyme
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Dumplings:
- 125g self-raising flour (for fluffy dumplings) or plain flour (for firmer dumplings)
- 75g suet
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
To Prepare the Stew:
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Sprinkle them with a spoonful of flour and mix well. The flour helps in browning the beef and thickening the stew.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the carrots and onions into chunks similar in size to the beef pieces for even cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a casserole dish on medium heat. Once hot, add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add the carrots, onions, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic to the dish. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze with Beer/Ale: Pour in the beer or ale, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- Add Tomato Puree and Beef Stock: Stir in the tomato puree, then pour in the beef stock. Mix well and bring the stew to a simmer.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the dish, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Place in the oven and cook for 2.5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
To Make the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour and suet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the mustard and blend well. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- Form Dumplings: Roll the dough into 12 balls, dusting your hands with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings: After the stew has cooked, increase the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). Place the dumplings on top of the stew and return the dish to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up.
Your beef stew with dumplings is now ready to enjoy!
How to Enjoy the Beef Stew
To enjoy your beef stew with dumplings, follow these simple steps:
- Serving: Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls. Make sure each serving has a good mix of beef, vegetables, and a couple of dumplings.
- Accompaniments: Beef stew with dumplings is quite hearty on its own, but you might consider serving it with some side items to complement the meal:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a roll is perfect for mopping up the rich gravy.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad can add a crisp contrast to the hearty stew.
- Garnishing: If you like, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, on top for added freshness and color.
- Eating: The dumplings should be fluffy and light, while the stew will be rich and savory. Break apart the dumplings with your spoon and mix them into the stew. Enjoy the combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and soft, comforting dumplings in every bite.
- Pairing: For a complete dining experience, consider pairing your stew with a beverage:
- Red Wine: A robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot complements the rich flavors of the stew.
- Beer: If you prefer beer, a hearty ale or stout used in cooking the stew will enhance the flavors.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
Gordon Ramsay’s beef stew recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting dish. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and light dumplings, this stew is perfect for warming up any meal. Follow Ramsay’s techniques to achieve a rich, satisfying stew that’s sure to impress and become a cherished favorite in your home.




