In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or ¼ cup vegetable broth) over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook and stir for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms. Add a pinch of the sea salt. Cook and stir for a few minutes. Cover and let cook a few more minutes to help them soften up. You can add a small splash of water if needed.
Add the carrots, celery, cabbage, parsnip and potatoes. Add the broth, beer, thyme, maple syrup, and apple butter. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to cook, lightly covered, on low for 20 minutes.
To make the dumplings, in a large mixing bowl combine the all-purpose baking flour, baking powder, sea salt and fresh rosemary. Stir well. Add the olive oil and almond milk. Stir well again.
In a small bowl, stir the kuzu or cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to dilute it. Add to the stew and stir until thickened. Add a little more if you want to achieve a thicker stew consistency.
Add the black pepper.
Now add spoonfuls (2 to 3 tablespoons in size) of the dumpling dough all around the pot. Cook, covered, for 15 minutes. The dumplings will rise. Serve hot with Irish soda bread, sourdough bread or gluten-free bread of your choice.Note: If you like fluffier dumplings you can add 1 full teaspoon of the baking powder.
