HERB DUMPLINGS RECIPES

Steps:

• Start by making the dumplings. Rub the butter into the flour and mix with the Cheddar and thyme. Add just enough cold water to bring the mixture together to a soft dough and divide into 5–6 small dumplings.

  Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/gas 5. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish and fry the onion and celery over a low heat for 10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the flour into the pan, whisking constantly to make a roux. Add in the Marmite and tomato purée followed by the stock, a glug at a time, whisking all the while to make a smooth base to the stew.

  Throw the carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potatoes, rosemary and bouquet garni into the dish and bring to a boil. Cook the stew, with the lid off, for 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be cooking nicely but still have a bite to them. 

  Rinse the orzo pasta well, in a sieve, and the pour into the casserole along with the chestnuts. Season well and place the dumplings on top of the casserole. Sprinkle over a little chopped rosemary and bake in the oven, with the lid off, for 20-30 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and nicely cooked and the vegetables are tender. 

Steps:

• Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, parsnip, bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons flour; stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened and the vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour with the baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Cut the remaining 4 tablespoons butter into small cubes and rub into the flour mixture with your fingers until pea-size pieces form. Stir in the buttermilk and chopped herbs with a fork until combined. Divide the dough into twelve 1 1/2-inch balls.
• Stir the chicken into the pot. Arrange the dough balls on top. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the dumplings are firm to the touch and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Top with more dill and chives.