Delia Smith Beef Stew

Name: Delia Smith Beef Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1.35 kg shin of British beef or stewing beef, cut into 5cm chunks; 350g butter beans (or judion beans), pre-soaked and drained; 50g plain flour; 225g celery; 225g carrots; 225g swede; 6 small onions (total weight 350g); Thyme; Bay leaves; Cider; Worcestershire sauce

Delve into the heartwarming comfort of Delia Smith's Beef Stew, a dish that epitomizes the cozy embrace of British cooking. This particular recipe, an Old-fashioned Shin of Beef Stew with Butter Beans and Crusted Onion Dumplings, showcases the slow and gentle simmering of meat and vegetables, a method that promises to enrich your kitchen with flavors both intense and mellow.

Brief Description of the Recipe

This beef stew recipe by Delia Smith, revered in British culinary circles, is a testament to the time-honored tradition of slow cooking. Marrying the robust flavors of shin beef or stewing beef with the hearty textures of butter beans and a variety of root vegetables, it culminates in a dish that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Cultural or Historical Context

Beef stew has long been a staple in British cuisine, offering a comforting remedy to the chill of the British Isles. Delia Smith's rendition, while rooted in tradition, brings its own uniqueness with the addition of crusted onion dumplings, a nod to the British love for dumplings in stews.

Ingredients List

For the stew, you'll need:

Shin of British beef or stewing beef, 1.35 kg, cut into 5cm chunks
Butter beans (or judion beans), 350g, pre-soaked and drained
Plain flour, 50g
Celery, carrots, and swede, each 225g
Small onions, 6 (total weight 350g)

For the detailed preparation instructions and additional ingredients, including those for the crusted onion dumplings, visit Delia Online.

Preparation Instructions

Begin by coating the beef chunks in seasoned flour. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and cutting them into chunks, then layer them in a casserole dish with the beef and beans. Add thyme, bay leaves, cider, and Worcestershire sauce, then slow-cook in the oven. The dumplings are made by frying onions, combining with flour, mustard powder, suet, chives, and seasoning, then formed into rounds and added to the stew towards the end of cooking.

Storage and Reheating

This stew, like many of Delia Smith's recipes, is perfect for making ahead and reheats beautifully, ensuring that the flavors continue to develop and meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

The dish is rich in protein from the beef and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the array of vegetables included. The butter beans add fiber and texture, making it a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

FAQ about the Delia Smith Beef Stew

Can I use other types of beans? Yes, other hearty beans like cannellini or great northern beans can be substituted.
Is it possible to make this stew without dumplings? Absolutely, the stew itself is robust and flavorful even without the dumplings.
Can I cook this stew in a slow cooker? Yes, adapting the recipe for a slow cooker is straightforward, though you may want to brown the beef and vegetables beforehand for added flavor.

Enjoy this delightful stew with its deep, comforting flavors, a perfect centerpiece for a cold winter's evening meal. For more information and detailed steps, visit Delia Online.