Groaty Pudding Groaty Dick Food

GROATY PUDDING / GROATY DICK

Steps:

• 1. Rinse and Soak your grains. If using pearl barley at least a couple of hours or you can do it over night. If using groats then over night.
• 2. Dice your vegetables and meat into bite size chunks. In a large pan add a teaspoon of oil. I use a metal casserole dish with a lid as my food is going to sit in the bottom oven of the Aga and I hate washing up.
• 3. Fry the beef until it's just coloured and then add your vegetables (and orange zest if using it). Fry until the onion softens then add your drained grains.
• 4. Add your herbs and seasonings, and finally the beef stock and orange juice (optional). If you are using a slow cooker then transfer the mixture into the pot and leave it to cook for several hours. I put my casserole dish in the bottom oven of the Aga and go to work or down the pub. But it will take at least 4 hours for the grains to soften and absorb the stock, and for the meat to fall apart. Check your seasoning and add more if needed. Serve warm in a bowl with a spoon and a smile. If you make it in advance to heat up, it tastes even better the next day.