Mediterranean Beef Casserole with Basil Dumplings Recipe

Methods

• To make this Mediterranean Beef Casserole with Basil Dumplings Recipe
• Heat the oil in a very large sauce pan or frying pan or ovenproof dish
• Cook of the onions till soft without colour
• Add the celery and garlic cook for a few moments to increase flavour
• Add the beef and stir round on high to seal - (cook till all the meat is browned)
• Add the fennel (optional) and paprika
• Add all the chunky vegetables
• Cook for a few minutes on a medium flame
• Add the stock, seasoning, herbs, soy and mustard
• Bring to the boil
• Transfer in to an ovenproof dish/casserole ( if needed) cover with a lid or tin foil
• Slow cook in a preheated oven gas 4/5 / 190-200*c/350-400*f for 2 hours
• 30 minutes before the end prepare the dumplings
• Mix everything together to create a sticky dough
• With wet hands mould in to dumplings
• Take out the beef casserole and stir in the tomato puree
• For the last 20 minutes place the dumplings on top of the casserole - uncovered and bake
• Turn up the oven a notch or two gas 6/ 220*c/ 450*f
• The casserole will be thickened and the dumplings plump and crispy on top