Balsamic Beef Stew With Veggie Mash Food

BEEF & VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and put the kettle on.
• Put 2 thickly sliced celery sticks, 1 chopped onion, 2 chunkily sliced carrots, 5 bay leaves and 1 whole thyme sprig in a flameproof casserole dish with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp butter.
• Soften for 10 mins, then stir in 2 tbsp plain flour until it doesn't look dusty anymore, followed by 2 tbsp tomato purée, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and 2 crumbled beef stock cubes.
• Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then tip in 850g stewing beef and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cover and put in the oven for 2hrs 30 mins, then uncover and cook for 30mins - 1hr more until the meat is really tender and the sauce is thickened.
• Garnish with the picked leaves of the remaining thyme sprig.

ROSEMARY BALSAMIC LAMB WITH VEGETABLE MASH

Steps:

• Put the celeriac, swede and potato in a large steamer, then steam for 25 mins until softened.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the onions for 10 mins until softened and golden. Push to the side of the pan, then add the lamb and rosemary and stir-fry over the heat until browned, but still a little pink in the middle - try not to overcook it as it will become tough and will need a longer cook to become tender again. Add the bouillon and balsamic vinegar with 200ml boiling water. Stir to make a sauce.
• Mash the steamed veg and spoon half into the centre of two plates. Top with half the lamb and gravy, scatter with the parsley and serve with the spinach and peas. Chill the remaining lamb and veg to reheat and serve on another evening.