Amanda A-mangia: Dumplings with your stew

INGREDIENTS

250g self-raising flour

125 g butter, really cold or Holsum shortening

salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Put the flour into a mixing bowl.

With a grater, grate the cold butter or shortening into the flour.

Add the salt and pepper.

Gently rub the butter or shortening into the flour until it forms crumbs.

Add a splash of cold water to help bind it into a dough.

Divide the dough into 24 pieces and gently roll each into a round dumpling. The dumplings will suck up quite a bit of moisture so if your stew looks dry, add a cup of boiling water and give it a good stir.

Place the dumplings on top of the fully cooked stew and press down lightly so that they are half submerged into the stew.

Cook over a medium heat with the lid on for 30 minutes.