Slow cooker beef stew question

f0nz

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone can help please. I've followed this recipe but have only used half the amount of meat. Should I add something else like lentils to bulk it out or will it still be fine?

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-stew-i/

Thanks in advance :beer:

Bullwood

Hi f0nz,

I know the recipe already calls for 4 sliced carrots but you could add an extra grated carrot and even a handful of oats or lentils if there appears to be a lot of liquid

good_advice

Looks good :0)
I add parsnips and a turnip as well to my beef casserole.
PS. don't forget the dumplings.

goggle

I wouldn't add lentils or oats to a beef stew recipe - I do all the time with mince but not chunks of meat
I would just add extra veg to bulk it up
My beef stews are often vegetable stew with a bit of beef

f0nz

Thanks Bullwood. It's not overly liquidy at the mo but I'll keep an eye on it and be ready to throw in a handful of something I'm rubbish at making stew, never seems to be very flavourful

f0nz

Oh, cross post, thanks goggle! Like I say seems ok right now but I'll keep an eye on it, still has another hour-2 to go

f0nz

Sorry missed your post too good advice.

I have to say Im not a dumpling fan I'm afraid. Will have some crusty bread to sop up all the gravy though

gayleygoo

I'd say it will be fine. I usually bulk out my stews with more veg (and lots of onions!) rather than meat.

I don't like conventional dumplings either, but stuffing balls and stew go very well together

NoGoodNamesLeft

I never found stew in the slow cooker very tasty, certainly not as nice as stew done in the oven.
If it needs thickened you could blend/mash a bit of the cooked veg and stir it back in. I also add gravy granules to stew sometimes for thick gravy.

f0nz

Thanks for all of the suggestions! The meat was lovely, I just don't think stews are for me though sadly. I don't like everything tasting the same, prefer a few different flavours. Maybe I'm just not making it right. Hubby scarfed his down though so can't have been that bad