Stout Braised Steak With Stacked Chips Recipes

STOUT-BRAISED STEAK WITH STACKED CHIPS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Season the steaks well on all sides, then heat a frying pan with 2 tsp of the oil. Brown the steaks well on all sides, then transfer to a snug casserole or narrow, deep baking dish.
• Tip the Guinness into the frying pan and bring to a simmer, scraping up any stuck meaty bits. Pour over the steaks along with the stock cube, Worcestershire sauce, brown sauce, bay and skin-on halved shallots (leave the skins on to save time - they are removed from the sauce later). Cover the dish tightly with foil first, then add the lid (or a flat baking tray). Bake in the oven for 3 hrs until the meat is meltingly tender. Can be done up to 1 day in advance, then cooled and chilled.
• For the chips, 1 hr before serving, turn up oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil while you cut the potatoes into as many 3cm fat chips (save the trimmings in a bowl of water and use for mash another night). Par-boil for 3 mins, then drain and let steam-dry for a few mins. Tip onto a baking tray, toss with the polenta or flour and some sea salt, then drizzle over the oil and toss again. Roast for 45 mins until really crisp and golden.
• When the chips have 20 mins left, lift your steaks from their cooking liquid and use a few sheets of baking parchment to wrap them in a parcel, followed by foil. Put on a low shelf in the oven to heat through for 20 mins. Meanwhile, strain the cooking liquid into a pan, discarding the herbs and shallots. Boil fiercely until reduced by three-quarters. Taste for seasoning, then keep warm.
• Whisk the chopped shallot, horseradish, remaining 2 tsp oil, vinegar and 1 tsp water with some seasoning, then use to dress the watercress.
• To serve, carefully open the meat parcel over your saucepan to catch any juices, and add your beef to the sauce to coat. Stack your chips between 2 plates and add a pile of dressed watercress. Lift a steak onto each plate and spoon over the syrupy juices. Any extra can be served in a jug on the side.

BRAISED BEEF IN STOUT

Steps:

• Cut the steaks into 5 x 7cm pieces.
• Heat the butter and oil in a large casserole dish or pot.
• Add the beef and fry until well browned. It is OK if the bottom of the pan gets brown and sticky, but dont let it burn.
• Add the onions and cook until beginning to soften. You will see the brown sticky stuff at the bottom of the pan start to dissolve and come away.
• Add the brandy.
• Add the Stout beer, Vegemite (dissolved in a little water) sprigs of thyme and rosemary, carrots, eggplant, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring to the boil and cook very gently for about 3 hours, until the meat is very tender. Add the whole mushrooms for the last 30 minutes.
• remove the sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
• Mix the chopped basil and lemon rind together and sprinkle over the top.
• Scatter over the olives and garnish with the basil sprig.
• Serve with crusty bread or mashed potato.