Beef Stew with Dilly Dumplings

Directions

Directions:
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add meat; seal bag and shake to coat.

In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil in batches. Add water, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Return meat to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Add the carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, parsley, thyme, bay leaf and remaining salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.

For dumplings, in a large bowl, combine the flour, parsley, baking powder, salt, thyme and dill. Combine the egg, milk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift the cover while simmering).

Note:
For a comforting meal, try this savory stew from field editor Bernadine Dirmeyer of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The combination of fluffy, well-seasoned dumplings and tender meat and vegetables is so good, you'll want to serve it to guests.

Recipes and images courtesy of The Taste of Home Cookbook, New 3rd Edition