The Best Beef bourguignon
A delicious and rustic French classic! Red wine, brandy, pancetta, shallots, mushrooms and herbs, what a wonderful combination for beef!
Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp plain flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 kg shin of beef, cut into large cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
150g pancetta, cut into small chunks
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 large onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
50ml brandy
500ml Burgundy, or other red wine
250ml beef stock
1 tbsp tomato puree
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme, leaves finely chopped
2 sprigs flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
25g butter
150g shallots
200g chestnut mushrooms
To serve
Buttery mashed potato
Crusty bread
Method
1. For the beef, sprinkle the flour onto a plate and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge the beef in the seasoned flour and set aside.
2. Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan and fry the pancetta for 1-2 minutes, or until golden-brown and set aside. Add the beef in batches and fry for a further 4-5 minutes, or until browned on each side, set aside. Add the carrots, shallot, onion and garlic and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until just softened.
3. Now add the beef and pancetta to the pan and add the brandy and slowly tilt the pan towards the gas flame, or light it with a match. Let the flames flare up then die down. Remove the beef and vegetables and set aside.
4. Add the red wine to the pan to deglaze, return the beef and vegetables, add the beef stock and tomato puree, bring to a simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme and parsley then cover and cook on a low heat for two hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Heat the butter and remaining oil in a frying pan and fry the baby onions for 4-5 minutes, or until just golden-brown.
6. Add the browned onions and chestnut mushrooms to the beef mixture and cook for a further 20 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Serve with mashed potato and/or crusty bread, enjoy!