Winter Vegetable Stew with Herb Dumplings

• Peel & cut all the vegetables. Cut to quite a small size (about folded finger size)
• Heat a little oil in a large saucepan or cooking pot
• Add the onion and fry gently for about 1min, then add all the other vegetables a bit at a time coating in the oil as you do so.
• Add the herbs, Salt & Pepper and stir in well
• Add the vegetable stock so it covers all the vegetables and stir in. You may have some left over. Pop a lid on the pot.
• Bring to the boil then turn down to a simmer for about 45mins or until all the vegetables are almost cooked. Add more Stock or water if required during cooking.
• When almost cooked, stir in some gravy thicking. This can be gravy granules or some Cornflour (mix the cornflour with a little water and mix to a paste first, then add to the stew).
• Add the dumplings and recover and cook until the dumplings have risen.

To make the Dumplings

• In a bowl mix the flour, suet, herbs and salt together
• Add some cold water 1 tblspn at a time mixing well. if you can use your hands as it binds better. You need a soft (not wet) pliable dough. If you add too much water and it becomes sticky, add a little more flour.
• Divide into 4-6 balls