DUMPLING STEW

Steps:

• Cut the beef or lamb into one-and-a-half-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
• Heat the oil in a casserole or heavy stew pan. Brown the meat over medium to high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute for five minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the water and herb bouquet. Bring to simmer, turn down heat and cook gently, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Add the potatoes and the carrots. Cut the beans into two-inch pieces and set aside.
• Meanwhile, make the dumplings. Put the suet and the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, herbes de Provence and Cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly. Make a well in the middle and gradually add the water. Knead the mixture until you have a thick dough (as for pastry). Shape into balls slightly smaller than a walnut.
• After the stew has cooked for one hour, add the dumplings. Drop them into the simmering stew. Add the beans, cover and cook at low temperature for one-half hour.