Mince with Cheesy Horseradish Dumplings

Mince with Cheesy Horseradish Dumplings

The perfect winter warmer - this has to be comfort food at its best. A delicious meal for all the family!

Serves 4

Prep time:  20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the mince

2 tbsp olive oil

500g lean minced beef

1 onion, finely chopped

1 celery sticks finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

1 cloves of garlic, peeled & finely chopped

5 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only

1 tbsp tomato puree

175ml red wine

400ml beef stock

A few splashes of Worcestershire sauce

100g frozen peas

1 tbsp cornflour

Salt & freshly ground pepper

For the dumplings

200g self-raising flour

100g vegetable or beef suet

½ tsp salt

100g mature cheddar cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)

1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

1 tbsp hot horseradish (from a jar)

150ml water

To serve:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Steamed green vegetables

Method

1.    Heat a large casserole dish and then add a tablespoon of olive oil, add the mince in small batches until browned all over and set aside.

2.    Now a tablespoon of olive oil to the frying pan and gently fry the onions, celery, carrots, garlic and thyme for 5 minutes until softened.  Add the tomato puree fry for one minute and then add the mince.

3.    Deglaze the frying pan which you cooked the mince in with red wine, cook for 3-4 minutes until it has reduced by half.

4.    Add the stock to the pan and let simmer for 45 minutes.  Place the cornflour in a small bowl and add 2 tbsp liquid from the pan and mix through.  Add to the pan with a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce and the frozen peas.  

5.    In the meantime, make the dumplings.  In a large bowl, mix together the flour, suet and salt using your fingertips to break up the suet.  Now add the cheddar and the parsley.

6.    Combine the horseradish and the water together then place in the bowl.  Bring the mixture together with your hands until you have a dough consistency.  Then, using your hands roll the dough into balls and set aside and cover.

7.    Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 3.

8.    When the mince is ready, season to taste.  Now drop the dumplings on top, sprinkle with cheese and cover with the lid and place in the oven for 30 minutes.

9.    Now that the dumplings have puffed up, remove the lid and raise the temperature to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 4.  Cook until the dumplings have developed a crust.  Scatter with parsley and serve on warm plates with steamed green vegetable, enjoy!