Boozy Casserole with Cheesy Dumplings

Boozy Casserole with Cheesy Dumplings

Serves 8 | Cooking time – About 2 hours

Ingredients

• 1tbsp (15ml) Oil
• 900g (2lb) Shoulder of pork, trimmed and diced
• 3x15mlsp (3tbsp) Plain flour, seasoned with black pepper
• 2 large onions, peeled and sliced
• 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 150ml (5floz) Water
• 150ml (5floz) Real ale
• 15mlsp (1tbsp) Wine vinegar
• 5ml (1tsp) Gravy granules or a stock cube
• 2x15mlsp (2tbsp) Parsley, chopped
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2x 5mlsp (2tsp) Brown sugar
• 2.5mlsp (1/2 tsp) Caraway seeds – optional

Dumplings – optional

• 100g (4oz) Self raising flour
• 25g (1oz) Butter, unsalted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 25g (1oz) Reduced fat mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 15mlsp (1tbsp) Semi skimmed milk

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large heavy pan. Coat the pork in the seasoned flour, add to the pan and brown on all sides. Lower the heat and then add the onion and garlic.

2. Add remaining ingredients (except Dumplings) and bring to the boil stirring all the time.
   Place a lid on the pan and put into the oven for about 11/2 hours.

Meanwhile, make the dumplings – if required.

1. Sift the flour and rub in the butter to form a semi-crumble mix. Add the grated cheese and bind together with the egg. Add a little milk if it is not binding.
2. Form into 8 small balls and 20minutes before the end of the cooking time add these to the casserole, replace the lid and place back into the oven to cook for the remaining 20 minutes.

Alternative cooking methods

Microwave

1. Place all ingredients (except the dumplings) in microwave-safe casserole dish. Cover and microwave on high (100% power) for 5-10 minutes.
2. Take out, stir, then microwave on medium (70% power) for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
3. Stand for 5 minutes before serving.
   NB: Timings are a guide as outputs vary.

Slow Cooker method

1. Place all ingredients (except dumplings) into a slow cooker, stir, cook on low for 6–8 hours.
2. If required, add the dumplings about an hour before the end of the cooking time.

Serving suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or warm crusty bread rolls.