Red Wine Stew Recipe: Warm your soul with this hearty dish
Welcome to my recipe for a delicious and hearty Red Wine Stew with Herb Dumplings! As a sommelier, I have always been fascinated by the way different wine varietals can enhance the flavors of food. This stew is a perfect example of how red wine can elevate a simple beef stew into something truly extraordinary.
The combination of tender slow-cooked beef, flavorful mushrooms, and rich red wine creates a stew filling and delicious enough to serve for any special occasion. The herb dumplings added in the last half hour of cooking elevate this simple beef and wine stew into a cheesy herby delight.
This one-pot wonder is an easy-to-make dinner that is perfect for feeding family and friends on those chilly nights. The warm aromas from the slow cooker will fill your kitchen and have everyone’s mouth-watering in anticipation.
So, put your chef’s hat on, grab your favorite bottle of red wine to use in this recipe, and let’s get started on making this delicious Red Wine Stew with Herb Dumplings – guaranteed to be an absolute crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old beef stew recipe? Do you want to elevate your simple beef and wine stew into something truly extraordinary? Look no further than this red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe!
Not only is this dish filling and delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. Don’t have beef on hand? No problem! This recipe works just as well with lamb or even chicken. And the slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare and perfect for those busy weeknights.
But what really sets this dish apart are the herb dumplings added during the last half hour of cooking. Infused with dried sage, thyme, basil, and more, these herby dumplings are the perfect complement to the rich and savory stew. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, swap in cheesy dumplings instead for an extra burst of flavor.
So if you want to impress your family and friends with a hearty and delicious dinner, give this red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this delicious red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe.
Stew:
- 2 pounds of stewing beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of stewed tomatoes
- 2 cups of dry red wine
Dumplings:
- 2 cups of Bisquick mix
- 2/3 cup of milk
- ½ teaspoon of dried basil
- ½ teaspoon of celery seed
- ½ teaspoon of dried sage
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
Note: These ingredients can be easily found at any grocery store near you.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how you can make this delectable and hearty Red Wine Stew with Herb Dumplings:
Prepare the Vegetables
- First, prep all the vegetables. Peel the carrots, then slice each one thinly. Cut the celery into thin slices on a diagonal. Slice the mushrooms and finely chop the garlic. Then, peel and finely chop the onion.
Brown the Beef
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Preheat your oven to 325°F. Then, place a large dutch oven on medium-high heat on your stove top. Add some olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pot, then add the beef.
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Brown the beef for about 5-6 minutes until it is evenly browned on both sides. Don’t worry if there are bits stuck to the pot – those will come off when we deglaze later.
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Once done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside in a separate dish.
Sauté Vegetables
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Add more olive oil to the same pot over medium heat, then add onions and garlic and sauté until soft for around 5 minutes.
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Then, add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
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Add sliced carrots, celery seed, dried thyme leaves, dried basil leaves, salt and white pepper to the pot with the sautéed veggies and stir thoroughly.
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Add back in the beef stew meat that was set aside earlier in step 4.
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Gradually pour in one bottle of red wine while continuously stirring until all ingredients are covered. Add one can of diced stewed tomatoes including its juice.
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After ensuring that everything is well combined, cover with a tight-fitting lid then slowly bring it to a simmer.
Let it Cook
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Cook this on low heat until the beef gets luxuriously tender, and the vegetables are completely soft, for about 2 hours.
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During the last half hour of cooking, it’s time to make the herb dumplings. The stew will be thick by now, which is a great thing.
Lastly, Make the Herb Dumplings
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Add about two cups of Bisquick in a mixing bowl along with a teaspoon of dried sage leaves and a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves. Add 1/2 cup of milk and mix until doughy.
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When you have reached the last half-hour of slow-cooking the beef stew, use rounded tablespoons to drop the herb dumpling dough over the simmering red wine stew meat mixture.
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Cover again tightly using its lid then finish cooking for another 30 minutes until the herb dumplings are firm and fully cooked.
Now that you’ve followed all of these steps, let your concoction cool for a bit, and then divide
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe is that it’s flexible enough to accommodate substitutions and variations. Here are a few possibilities:
– You can switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. For example, try adding some parsnips or turnips in place of the carrots, or swapping out the mushrooms for diced zucchini.
– If you don’t have Bisquick or another biscuit mix on hand for the dumplings, you can make your own from scratch using flour, baking powder, salt, and butter or margarine. Alternatively, you could use ready-made biscuit dough or even puff pastry cut into strips or squares.
– To make this a lamb stew instead of beef, simply swap out the beef stew meat for lamb stew meat and adjust the cooking time if necessary. A lamb stew would pair nicely with a fruity red wine like a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.
– If you’re not a fan of red wine, you could use white wine instead for a slightly different flavor profile. A dry white wine like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would work well in this dish.
– For an Irish twist on this recipe, try making it with Guinness beer instead of red wine. The dark beer adds richness and depth to the stew and pairs well with cheesy herb dumplings.
– If you want to make this dish even heartier and more filling, try adding some diced potatoes to the mix. Potatoes will absorb some of the flavorful sauce and help thicken the stew.
– If you love cheese as much as I do, try making cheesy dumplings instead of herb dumplings by adding shredded cheddar cheese to the Bisquick mix. This variation goes particularly well with a full-bodied red wine like a Malbec or Zinfandel.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredient combinations to find your perfect version of this red wine stew with herb dumplings.
Serving and Pairing
Red wine stew with herb dumplings is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. The herby dumplings make for a tasty alternative to these traditional sides.
As for the perfect wine pairing, red wine is the obvious choice when it comes to beef stew. A full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah, will complement the rich flavors in the stew.
However, if you want a more elevated and sophisticated experience, you may consider burgundy stew. This classic French cuisine has been famous since ancient times and contains an excellent depth of flavors. Burgundy stew can pair excellently with red wines or even a Pinot Noir.
Lastly, for non-alcoholic beverages or those who prefer something lighter than wine to accompany their meal, try apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water to elevate the beefy flavors in the dish.
Whatever your preference, this hearty and flavorful red wine stew with herb dumplings makes for a delicious and fulfilling meal that is guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning a busy week ahead, it’s always a good idea to make meals that you can store and reheat easily. Luckily, this red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe is one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time!
To make the stew ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions up until step 5. Once your stew has finished cooking, allow it to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to serve, your stew may have thickened up a bit in storage, so it might need some extra liquid. Simply heat it on the stovetop on medium heat, and add a little bit of water or broth until it has reached your desired consistency.
If you want to freeze your stew instead for later use, then follow the same instructions as above but instead store the dish in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. To defrost and reheat, simply move the container from the freezer to the fridge overnight and then heat slowly on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container.
While reheating, make sure that your dumplings don’t become too soggy by reheating them separately. Pop them into the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (177°C) until they are heated through and crispy once again.
Overall, making this red wine stew with herb dumplings ahead of time will make your life much easier during hectic weeks while still resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a delicious beef stew, the slow cooker is your best friend. It does most of the work for you, and all you have to do is prepare the ingredients and let them cook low and slow until they become fork-tender. However, there are still a few tips that can help ensure perfect results every time:
1. Cut the Meat into Even Pieces
When preparing the beef for the stew, it’s essential to cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If some pieces are larger than others, they may take longer to cook and become tough while others become too soft.
2. Brown the Meat First
Before adding the beef to the slow cooker, give it a quick sear in a hot pan with some olive oil. This will not only add flavor but also create a nice crust that will keep the meat juicy while cooking.
3. Don’t Overdo the Liquid
It’s important not to add too much liquid to your stew as it can dilute the flavors and create a soupy texture. Red wine, canned tomatoes, and beef broth are usually enough to provide enough moisture while keeping the stew thick and rich.
4. Add Vegetables at the Right Time
Vegetables like carrots, onions, mushrooms, and green beans should be added at different times during cooking to ensure they reach their ideal texture. Root vegetables take longer to cook and should be added at the beginning while softer veggies like mushrooms can be added later in the cooking process.
5. Choose Herbs Wisely
When making a red wine beef stew with herb dumplings recipe, herbs like thyme, basil, sage, and parsley work beautifully together. However, using too much of any one herb can overpower the other flavors. A general rule of thumb is to add herbs sparingly and taste as you go.
By following these simple tips when making your red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe in a slow cooker, you can elevate an already simple dish to a whole new level of flavor and complexity.
Bottom Line
I hope this recipe has inspired you to elevate your simple beef stew game with some delicious herb dumplings and the rich flavor of red wine. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner or any time you need a warm and filling meal.
It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to switch up the vegetables and herbs to suit your preferences, or even substitute the beef for lamb, chicken, or other proteins. The slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare ahead of time and have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home.
So gather your friends and family and try this red wine stew with herb dumplings recipe today. The tender slow-cooked beef, flavorful veggies, and cheesy herby dumplings are sure to impress and provide a satisfying meal for all. Don’t wait, let your taste buds indulge in this irresistible dish tonight!
Red Wine Stew With Herb Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stewing beef, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped.
- 2 (3/4 ounce) packages beef gravy mix
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained.
- 1 teaspoon crushed dried chili
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup sliced carrot
- 1 1/2 cups whole baby green beans
- 3/4 cup red wine
- 1 3/4 cups water
Herb Dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups Bisquick
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Put meat in a plastic bag,add gravy mix and shake well to coat.
- Place onion, green beans, carrots and garlic into 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Top with coated meat.
- Mix all ingredients that are left except Herb Dumplings.
- Pour into cooker.
- Cover and cook on Medium heat setting 6 hours or until meat is tender.
- To make Dumplings, Mix Bisquick, thyme and sage.
- Stir in milk until Bisquck is moistened.
- When stew is cooked, drop dough by spoonfuls into hot beef mixture.
- Cover and cook on High heat setting 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of dumplings comes out clean.
- Serve and Enjoy.