Braised beef in red wine with parsley dumplings

Method

1. Combine the flour with the seasoning and use to lightly coat the beef. Dust off any excess.

2. Heat the olive oil in a big casserole pan set over a high heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and fry for 2 minutes.

3. Tip the beef into the pan and continue frying until browned. Remember to keep the heat high and stir regularly to prevent scorching.

4. Add the red wine and bay leaf and reduce the wine by half its original volume. Add the chopped vegetables and mix well.

5. Pour over enough stock to cover and simmer for about 1-1 ½ hours, until the meat is almost, but not quite, tender. While the meat is cooking, make the dumplings.

6. Combine all the dumpling ingredients in a mixing bowl, adding enough water to bind the ingredients into a soft dough. Dust your hands with flour and roll the mixture into small balls about 2 cm in diameter. Drop the dumplings into the beef casserole, cover, and continue simmering for about 25 minutes. Season and serve with fluffy mashed potatoes.