Browned Stew with Dumplings

This is an old Amish Mennonite recipe.

2 pounds cubed beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons fat (or vegetable oil)
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cut meat into small cubes.

Melt fat in a hot skillet or Dutch oven. Brown meat and onion in fat, keep it sizzling hot until nicely browned.

Sprinkle flour, salt and pepper over meat. Add the boiling water and lemon juice. Cover the pan and lower the heat so that meat simmers for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon solid shortening

Stir quickly together and drop from a spoon onto simmering stew. Cover and allow to cook 12 to 25 minutes.