Trinidad Beef Stew with Dumplings
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked until tender and served with soft, fluffy dumplings. This dish is a staple in many Trinidadian homes, offering comfort and rich taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Beef chuck(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs Thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour(for dumplings)
- 1 tsp Baking powder(for dumplings)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for dumplings)
- approx. 0.5 cup Cold water(for dumplings)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally, adding more broth or water if needed.
- 7
While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 8
About 20 minutes before serving, increase the heat of the stew to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- 9
Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the beef stew hot, with the dumplings.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef after seasoning it with a little browning sauce.
- ✓Ensure the stew is simmering gently before adding the dumplings, and keep it covered while they cook to ensure they steam properly.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add a scotch bonnet pepper (whole, pierced) to the stew while it simmers, removing it before serving.