Mary Berry Beef Carbonnade Recipes

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.

CARBONNADE FLAMANDE

Steps:

• Marinate the beef overnight in the ale with the garlic and bay leaves. The next day, drain the beef from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Pat the meat dry with kitchen paper and toss it in the seasoned flour until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a large flameproof casserole until hot. Fry the beef in 3-4 batches for about 5 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, until it is a rich golden brown all over. You may need to add a little more oil between batches but make sure it is hot again before adding the next batch. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside. Don't worry if the bottom of the casserole is starting to brown, this all adds to the flavour of the finished dish.
• Lower the heat to medium and fry the pancetta in the casserole for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden. Scoop the pancetta out with a slotted spoon and set aside with the beef.
• Preheat the oven to fan 140C/conventional 160C/gas 3. Tip the carrots, onions and leek into the casserole and fry, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown - this takes about 12 minutes. Spoon in the tomato purée and continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the beef and pour in the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer, scraping any sticky bits off the bottom of the pan, then add all the beef stock and bouquet garni to the casserole. Season with salt and pepper and bring everything to the boil. Remove from the heat. Cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. (The carbonnade may now be left to cool and frozen for up to 1 month. Add 100ml/31⁄2 fl oz more stock to the sauce when reheating.) When the beef is ready, taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Scatter the chopped parsley over the top and serve straight from the casserole, with creamy mash or jacket potatoes and buttered greens or cabbage.