This rich, tasty stew is blindingly easy to make – you just leave it in the oven for three hours. A great winter warmer.
4 tbsp oil
800g lean stewing steak, cut into cubes
4 medium onions, cut into quarters
6 carrots, cut into quarters
100g streaky bacon, cut into small strips
2 tbsp plain flour
1 x 400g tin plum tomatoes
1 large can Guinness or stout
300ml beef stock (hot)
1 tsp dried marjoram or oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Heat the oven to 150 degrees C/Gas Mark 2.
Heat the oil in a metal casserole dish. Brown the stewing steak to seal in the flavour. Add the onion, carrots and bacon and fry for a further 5 mins. Stir in the flour and add the tin of tomatoes, followed by the Guinness, stock, herbs and seasoning. Make sure that the casserole is bubbling before placing it in the oven for 3 hours.
This is delicious served with seasonal greens, mashed potatoes and Spiced Quinces.
