Mrs Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Discover the Ultimate Comfort Food: Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings Recipe - A Taste of Tradition and Tanginess!

Mrs Minnicks Sour Beef and Dumplings

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 400 calories

Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings is a beloved classic dish that has been passed down through generations, particularly in regions with strong German culinary influences. This flavorful and hearty dish is known for its unique combination of tender beef, tangy vinegar-based gravy, and fluffy dumplings.

The beef is traditionally stewed until it's incredibly tender, creating a rich and savory base for the dish. What sets Mrs. Minnick's recipe apart is the sour element, achieved through the use of red wine vinegar. This vinegar imparts a distinctive tanginess that balances the richness of the beef, making for a delightful and complex flavor profile.

The dumplings, added to the simmering pot, provide a comforting contrast to the sour beef. They soak up the flavorful broth and contribute a wonderful texture to the dish. While the recipe itself varies slightly from one family to another, it remains a cherished comfort food, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch and German-American communities.

Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings is a testament to the culinary traditions that connect families and regions. It's a dish that warms the heart and offers a taste of history and home-cooked comfort.

Recipe

Indulge in the classic Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings recipe – a timeless comfort food delight. Learn the secrets to its tangy perfection!

Ingredients

For the sour beef:

2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into chunks
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup of red wine vinegar
2 cups of water
1 bay leaf
10-12 whole cloves
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil for browning

For the dumplings:

1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of melted butter

Method Instructions

In a large pot, heat some cooking oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks and chopped onion until they're nicely browned on all sides.
Add the red wine vinegar, water, bay leaf, cloves, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything well, and then cover the pot. Let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the milk and melted butter until you have a sticky dough.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering beef and broth. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Taste the sour beef broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the sour beef and dumplings hot, spooning some of the flavorful broth over each serving.

Recipe Video

Mrs Minnicks Sour Beef and Dumplings

This is a video about Mrs Minnicks Sour Beef and Dumplings.

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Recipe Tags: Mrs Minnicks Sour Beef and Dumplings, Mrs Minnicks Sour Beef and Dumplings Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings is a delightful experience. Here's how to do it:

Portion: Use a ladle to carefully scoop out portions of the sour beef along with dumplings and the flavorful gravy. Ensure that each serving includes a generous amount of both beef and dumplings.
Plating: You can serve this hearty dish on individual plates or in bowls, depending on your preference. Make sure to distribute the beef and dumplings evenly.
Garnish: For a touch of freshness and color, consider garnishing the dish with some chopped fresh parsley. The green parsley contrasts beautifully with the rich brown of the beef and gravy.
Accompaniments: Sour beef and dumplings are often enjoyed with traditional sides like pickled red cabbage or sauerkraut. These tangy sides complement the sour notes of the dish.
Bread: Serve some crusty bread or rolls on the side to soak up the delicious gravy.
Enjoy: Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings are best enjoyed piping hot. It's a filling and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Tips

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For tender and flavorful results, select a good stewing cut of beef, like chuck roast or bottom round. These cuts are ideal for slow-cooking.
Marinate the Beef: To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the beef in the vinegar mixture for a few hours or even overnight before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb more of the tangy goodness.
Adjust the Sourness: The level of sourness in the dish can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer it more or less tangy, you can adjust the amount of red wine vinegar and sugar accordingly.
Don't Overcook the Dumplings: When adding the dumplings to the simmering pot, be careful not to overcook them. Dumplings should be light and fluffy. They are ready when they've puffed up and are cooked through.
Skim Fat: While simmering the beef, you might notice some fat rising to the top. Skim it off to reduce the overall fat content and achieve a clearer gravy.
Serve with Tradition in Mind: Consider serving this dish with traditional sides like pickled red cabbage, sauerkraut, or a cucumber salad. These sides complement the flavors of the sour beef and dumplings.
Leftovers: Sour beef and dumplings tend to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. So, don't hesitate to enjoy the leftovers.
Experiment: While the traditional recipe is wonderful, feel free to experiment by adding additional spices or herbs that you enjoy to make it your own.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're looking to make Mrs. Minnick's Sour Beef and Dumplings and need ingredient substitutes, here are some options:

Beef Substitute: If you prefer not to use beef, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as these alternatives may cook faster than beef.
Red Wine Vinegar Substitute: If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or a combination of vinegar and lemon juice to achieve the desired tangy flavor. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly depending on the vinegar you choose.
Dumpling Flour: If you're out of all-purpose flour for the dumplings, you can use cake flour or a combination of cake flour and cornstarch. This might result in slightly different texture but should work well.
Milk Substitute for Dumplings: If you need a dairy-free option for the dumplings, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.
Butter Substitute for Dumplings: For a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Sugar Substitute: If you prefer not to use sugar, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.
Spices and Herbs: You can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Thyme, rosemary, or paprika can add interesting flavors to the dish.