Aromatic Beef Stew with Cheese Dumplings

This delightful beef stew coupled with cheese dumplings offers a rich and satisfying culinary experience. The tender beef shanks, slowly stewed in a savory broth, create a heartwarming dish that fills your kitchen with a mesmerizing aroma. A combination of tomatoes, red wine, and wholesome vegetables adds layers of flavor to the stew, while a sprinkle of thyme and bay leaves completes the symphony of tastes. Meanwhile, the cheese dumplings made with a hard cheese like Džiugas introduce a creamy and cheesy texture, perfectly balancing the hearty stew. Ideal for cold days or family gatherings, this dish promises a comforting and enjoyable meal. Adding dumplings infuses the dish with a homely charm reminiscent of traditional childhood comforts. Serve it bubbling hot for the ultimate culinary delight, pairing pairing it with a warm slice of crusty bread or a green salad. The diverse flavors of the stew are sure to captivate anyone who indulges. An absolute must-try for anyone who loves a deliciously crafted meal.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 kg beef shanks
• 800 g beef broth
• 400 g grated tomatoes
• 250 g porcini mushrooms (champignons are also suitable)
• 250 ml red wine
• 2 carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs thyme
• A few bay leaves
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of pepper

For the Cheese Dumplings:

• 250 g flour
• 125 g butter
• 100 ml milk
• 60 g grated "Džiugas" cheese
• 1 tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total time: 3 hours (Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil and brown the beef on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions, celery, and carrots until they soften. Add the minced garlic, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Incorporate grated tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, red wine, and sugar into the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Combine with Beef: Return the beef shanks to the pot, adding the beef broth. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

5. Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 2 hours until the beef is tender.

6. Add Mushrooms: Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the stew, letting it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to integrate the flavors.

7. Prepare Dumplings: Mix the flour, butter, grated cheese, and baking soda. Gradually add milk while stirring until you have a smooth dough.

8. Shape and Cook Dumplings: Roll the dough into golf ball-sized dumplings. Add them to the stew, cover, and let them steam on low heat for about 10 minutes.

9. Final Touch: Ensure the dumplings are cooked through and the stew has a rich consistency.

10. Serve Hot: Serve the stew steaming hot, enjoying it with complementary sides.

Tips

• For Richer Flavor: Substitute some beef broth for additional wine for a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Cheese Substitution: Use a similar hard cheese if Džiugas is unavailable.
• Consistency Control: Thicken the stew with a slurry if desired, by mixing flour with cold water.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with hearty root vegetables and a vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Dumplings: Substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Crusty bread, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
• Garnishes: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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