Keto Beef Stew with Herby Dumplings

Step 1Preheat the oven to 160 °C/ 320 °F (fan assisted). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Brown the meat on a medium heat for 5 minutes, stir-ring regularly to seal the meat for approximately 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and place to one side.

Step 2Meanwhile, peel the onion, pumpkin and carrots and chop into chunks about 2 cm (1 inch). In another pan heat one tablespoon of olive oil and fry the vegetables on a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Step 3Add the beef, rosemary, bay leaves, chopped garlic and tomato puree. Sauté for a further 2 minutes.

Step 4Add the red wine, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the stock, season with salt and pepper, bring to the boil.

Step 5Place a casserole dish in the oven to heat up. Place the stew in the casserole dish and add a lid. Roast in the oven for 3 hours until the meat is tender and the juices have concentrated. Remove from the oven once cooked. Turn up the oven to 175 °C/ 350 °F.

Step 6Make the dumplings as per the keto bread recipe 1. Grease a cupcake tin with olive oil to prevent sticking. Shape into dumpling shapes (3 to 4 cm/ up to 1-¹/₂ inch in diameter) and place individually in the cupcake holes. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Turn over with a spoon and place back in the oven to cook for a further 5 minutes.

Step 7Place the stew back in the oven to heat through if cooled slightly. Add the dumplings.

Step 8To serve, place the stew in bowls and top with grated lemon zest, fresh parsley and a pinch of cracked black pepper. Apart from dumplings, you can serve this stew with Cauli-Mash or Celeriac Cauli-Mash!