Braised Beef in Sheppy’s Cider
Serves 4–6
Ingredients:
1.2–1.5kg beef chuck or blade, cut into large chunks, 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, 2 onions, sliced, 2 cloves garlic, crushed, 2 tbsp plain flour, 500ml Sheppy’s Gold Medal cider (not sweet)
250ml beef stock, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance), 2 carrots, cut into long large pieces, 2 celery sticks, chopped, 2 bay leaves, 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) Salt and black pepper, to taste, Optional additions, 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (if cider is very dry). A few small potatoes or pearl onions
Method:
Preheat the oven Heat oven to 160°C (fan 140°C) / 325°F. Season the beef well with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until well coloured, then remove and set aside. Lower the heat and add the onions to the same pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the beef stock, vinegar (if using), celery, bay leaves, thyme, and any optional ingredients. Return the beef to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2½–3 hours, stirring once or twice, until the beef is very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes and honey roasted carrots
Creamy polenta
Crusty bread and steamed greens