Overcooking is also a problem, so make sure you’re cooking at a low or medium-low heat, and that the liquid from the stew isn’t bubbling too vigorously. Are there any twists to give dumplings extra flavour? Return the beef to the casserole, add the red wine and bay leaves and bring the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, then leave to simmer gently for 1 hour with the lid slightly ajar. The dumplings we're talking about here are traditional British and Irish ones, made from balls of dough that are then cooked mainly in stews and casseroles.

Meanwhile, for the suet dumplings, combine the flour, suet, baking powder and salt in a bowl until well combined. Add the water gradually, stirring the mixture with your fingers, until it comes together as a slightly sloppy dough. Shape the dough into balls roughly the size of a plum. Dumplings around the world mean different things, from steamed dumplings from a variety of Asian cuisines, to Swedish potato dumplings. The basic ingredients of a dumpling is self-raising flour, cold butter and seasoning. From there you can add a variety of different seasonings. And while you might be tempted to experiment with different flours, we really recommend with white self-raising flour. Vegetable suet is easily available in most supermarkets, the Atora brand has one in a green box. Alternatively you can use grated butter (vegetarian) or vegetable shortening (vegan). Cooking tips Add a couple of spoonfuls of ice cold water to start bringing mix into a dough. Gradually add a little more water at a time, until a firm dough has formed, using your hands to bring it together.Dumplings can be served plain, as in this base recipe, or flavoured to suit your dish. Herbs are a common addition – either fresh or dried herbs are suitable. You could try other flavours, such as a little English mustard, horseradish or lemon zest. Or even add a teaspoon or two of grated root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips.

Attach the lid to the pan, then bring it up to pressure. Once the correct pressure has been reached, lower the heat, then cook for 40 minutes. Divide the dough into eight and using floured hands shape into balls about the size of a golf ball.

Confirmation

Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

Dumplings are traditionally made with suet – hard beef, or sometimes mutton, fat that comes from around the kidneys and other organs. Popularly used to make dumplings, steamed puddings and pastries, suet gives dishes a light, melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicious rich taste.

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Dumplings added to a stew or casserole recipe make the ultimate comfort food. Warming and tasty, they can be prepared in moments. Here Good Housekeeping's Cookery Editor, Emma Franklin, shares her secrets... What's the secret to the perfect dumpling in a stew?