BEAN STEW WITH DUMPLINGS

1 can (28-oz) tomatoes, undrained & chopped

2 cups chopped red bell peppers
1 can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 can (15-oz) pinto beans, rinsed & drained
2 small zucchini, sliced
2 large onions, chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeded & chopped
1/2 cup sliced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt

Combine all the above ingredients in the slow cooker or crockpot; stir to blend.  Place lid on cooker and cook 4 1/2 hours or until the vegetables are tender.  During that last half hour, prepare the dumplings.

Dumplings
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp cold butter
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
1/2 cup milk

In a medium mixing bowl combine the salt, flour cornmeal, baking powder, and sugar.  Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in the cheese and the cilantro.  Pour the milk into the mixture and blend with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the flour mixture is just moistened.  Drop the dumpling dough, approximately 1/6 at a time, onto the top of the stew.  Replace the lid and cook another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the toothpick inserted into the dumplings comes out clean.

Yield: 6 servings.

 Note: File Photo