In cooler weather or when you just want a soothing dish, there’s nothing more satisfying than tucking in to a big bowl of a hearty stew or casserole. There’s just something so warming and comforting about these slow-cooked classics that we can’t get enough of!
1.Peel shallots, leaving root end intact so shallot remains whole during cooking.
2.Heat oil in large flameproof casserole dish; cook beef, in batches, until browned.
3.Heat butter in same dish; cook shallots, bacon, mushrooms and garlic, stirring, until shallots are browned lightly.
4.Sprinkle flour over shallot mixture; cook, stirring, until flour mixture thickens and bubbles. Gradually add stock and wine; stir over heat until mixture boils and thickens. Return beef and any juices to dish, add bay leaves and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, about 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring every 30 minutes.
5.Stir in parsley; discard bay leaves just before serving.
A French classic, this dish was favoured dinner-party fare 20 or 30 years ago and, thanks to the resurgence in popularity of rich and rustic comfort food, it has now reappeared on restaurant menus and in the repertoire of the keen home cook. Shallots, also called french shallots, golden shallots or eschalots, are small, elongated members of the onion family that grow in tight clusters similarly to garlic.
Note
Related
Sign up for our newsletter
Want 20% off at THE ICONIC? Sign up to the latest news at Women’s Weekly Food.
