Hairy Bikers Mince And Dumplings Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Mince And Dumplings Recipe is a hearty and traditional dish, which uses lean beef mince and fluffy suet dumplings. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Mince And Dumplings Recipe Ingredients

For the Mince:

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely sliced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 350ml beef stock
• 150ml red wine (optional, or use more stock)
• Pinch of caster sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Dumplings:

• 250g self-raising flour, plus extra for rolling
• 125g beef suet, shredded
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• Approx. 200ml cold water

How To Make Hairy Bikers Mince And Dumplings Recipe

1. Cook the vegetables: Heat sunflower oil in a large pan or flameproof casserole. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
2. Brown the beef mince: Add mince and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, stock, red wine (if using), sugar, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the mince: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Make the dumplings: Combine flour, suet, salt, and parsley in a bowl. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a soft, spongy dough forms. Don’t overmix.
6. Shape the dumplings: Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough into 12 small balls.
7. Cook the dumplings: Stir the mince, then remove the pan from heat. Arrange dumplings on top, spaced slightly apart. Cover with lid and return to medium heat. Cook for 18–20 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use lamb or pork mince? Yes, but beef gives the most traditional flavor.
• How to make it vegetarian? Use plant-based mince and vegetable suet, and swap the beef stock for veggie stock.
• Can I make dumplings in advance? Yes, shape and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
• What if I don’t have suet? Use grated frozen butter or a suet substitute.
• How to get crispier dumplings: Finish the dish uncovered in the oven for 10 minutes.

What To Serve With Mince And Dumplings

This dish is filling on its own but pairs nicely with simple sides:

• Steamed green beans
• Buttered peas
• Mashed swede or parsnips
• Pickled red cabbage
• Crusty bread

How To Store Mince And Dumplings

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Freeze: Freeze mince and dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat thoroughly.

Mince And Dumplings Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 609 kcal
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 30g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the hob?
Yes, cover and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until dumplings are cooked.

Do I have to use red wine?
No, you can replace it with extra stock or even water.

Why are my dumplings dense?
Overworking the dough or adding too much water can make dumplings heavy.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, parsnips, or swede can be added to the mince.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding the dumplings.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Tomato Sauce Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe