Mary Berry Braised Beef Food

MARY BERRY'S BEEF BOURGIGNON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 160C/gas mark 3. Place the oil in a flameproof casserole over a high heat. Dice the beef, add to the pan and brown on all sides (you will need to do this in batches). Transfer the meat to the plate.
• Cut the bacon into small pieces and add to the pan with the onion and garlic and fry until the bacon is starting to brown. In a separate wide based pan, pour in the wine and boil to reduce by half.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and then pour over the reduced wine, the brandy, and half the stock. Stir until combined and thickened, and bring to the boil.
• Add the remaining stock, return the meat to the pan, season with salt and pepper and add the thyme. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
• When the cooking time is almost up, cut the mushrooms in half and fry over a medium heat in another pan with the butter for about 2 minutes.
• Peel the pickling onions and add them to the pan, tossing together. Add the mushrooms and onions to the casserole and then continue to cook for a further 40 minutes, or until the meat is completely tender. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot from the oven.

BEEF CASSEROLE WITH HORSERADISH AND MUSTARD

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a deep, heavy-based, flameproof, lidded casserole over a high heat. Add the beef, in batches if necessary, and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until browned all over. Remove the meat from the casserole using a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the onions and garlic and fry, stirring well, for 4-5 minutes, or until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the casserole using a wooden spoon. Stir in the beef stock.
• In a large bowl, whisk the flour with a little of the wine until smooth, then gradually pour in the remaining wine, whisking until combined to a smooth batter with the consistency of double cream.
• Return the browned beef to the casserole, then pour over the wine and flour mixture. Bring to the boil, stirring until thickened, then add the Worcestershire sauce and sugar and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the casserole with the lid, reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, and simmer very gently for 2 hours, stirring from time to time (alternatively, cook the casserole in a low oven).
• After 2 hours, add the mushrooms, return the mixture to the boil, then cover again, reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering, and simmer for a further ½ hour, or until the meat is tender.
• Mix the mustard, horseradish and double cream (if using) in a bowl until well combined. Just before serving, stir it into the beef casserole. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

RICH BRAISED BEEF WITH MELTING ONIONS

Steps:

• Dust the beef in flour, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onions and fry for 5 mins. Add the sugar and cook for 5-10 mins, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelised. Stir in the garlic for the final few mins.
• Pour in the stock and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Add the beef and mushrooms, then season, adding plenty of black pepper. Cover and cook gently for 2 hrs until the meat is tender. Can be chilled for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool and store in freezer bags. Thaw and reheat in a pan. Serve scattered with parsley.