HAM AND DUMPLINGS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the oil and butter in an ovenproof casserole over a medium heat. Add the onion, leeks and carrots and a pinch of salt, and fry gently for 10 mins until softened and translucent. Add the chicken, turn up the heat and fry for 5 mins. Pour in the cider, cook for 3 mins, then pour in the chicken stock and add the bunch of thyme. Bring to a simmer, season to taste, then reduce to a low heat and cover the pan. Cook for 30 mins.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Make the dumplings by mixing together the flour, baking powder, mustard powder, the suet or butter, parsley and ½ tsp salt. Swiftly mix in 8-10 tbsp of water and bring together with your hands. The dough should be firm and pliable. Divide into eight equal-sized pieces, weighing for accuracy if you like.
• Remove the bunch of thyme from the stew and discard. Spoon a little of the liquid into a bowl and mix with the cornflour, then stir the mixture into the casserole. Add the ham hock, peas and mustard. Arrange the dumplings on top of the stew, then put in the oven, covered, for 30 mins. Remove the lid and cook for a further 10 mins until the dumplings are puffed up and golden brown. Serve in bowls. To freeze the stew, leave to cool completely, then transfer to a freezerproof container. Will keep for up to three months. Defrost thoroughly, then reheat until piping hot.

Steps:

• For the dumplings: Whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Mix in the flour, chives and nutmeg. Set aside to rest until ready to use.
• For the ham, cabbage and sauerkraut: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ham steak and cook until the onions begin to sweat, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the cabbage with the coriander, red pepper flakes and a large pinch of salt and cook until the cabbage begins to melt and break down, about 5 minutes. Stir in the beer, turkey stock and sauerkraut, bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.  
• Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Spread the dumpling batter in a line down the back of a sheet tray or small cutting board. Dip a bench scraper in the boiling water, then use it to "cut" the dumplings into the pot, dipping the bench scraper in the boiling water in between each cut. Cook the dumplings until they begin to float to the surface, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the dumplings to the Dutch oven with the cabbage. Mix in the parsley and mustard and any additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve.