Old-fashioned Shin of Beef Stew with Butter Beans and Crusted Onion Dumplings
"The good old-fashioned family stew - meat and vegetables simmering gently and slowly together, and in this slowness, releasing precious juices that mingle to provide intense yet mellow flavours and the tenderest of textures. Let's not be duped into thinking we don't have the time. This stew actually takes very little time - you'll be amazed. The time it does take is not yours. Tucked away in the oven, it will leave you free to go out for a couple of hours if you want to, ready to greet you with evocative, com..."
INGREDIENTS
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1.35 kg shin of British beef or stewing beef in 5cm chunks
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1½ oz (40 g) plain flour, seasoned with 1 level teaspoon salt and some freshly milled black pepper
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350g butter beans (or judion beans), pre-soaked and drained
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50g plain flour
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225g celery
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225g carrots
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225g swede
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6 small onions (350g total weight)
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4 good sprigs fresh thyme
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3 bay leaves
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850ml premium dry cider
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1 tablespoon Worcestershre sauce
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salt and freshly milled black pepper
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1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
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1 teaspoon groundnut, or other flavourless oil
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225g self-raising flour, plus a little extra for dusting
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1 heaped teaspoon mustard powder
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110g shredded suet
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1 heaped tablespoon snipped chives
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salt and freshly milled black pepper
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