Stewed Beef with Dumplings

Make the Beef and Guiness Base as in the  Recipe  .

Put the flour, suet, herbs and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Very carefully pour in cold water from a jug mixing with a fork as you do so, until the pastry is dough like.

Knead the pastry with the your fist until it is pliable. Add a little more water or flour if needed during the kneading. Use your hands to make small dumplings about the size of a gooseberry (they will swell when cooked).

Meanwhile put the beef mixture in an oven at 350°F/180°C/Reg4 for half an hour or so until thoroughly warmed through. Add the dumplings and cook for no more than 15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauteed Parsnips  Recipe  , Butter Beans  Recipe   and serve.