Adapted from Donal Skehan
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
1kg / 2lbs lean shoulder of beef, cut into 2cm /1 inch chunks
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
150ml / ¾ cup beef stock
500ml / 2 cups / 16 fl. oz. Guinness
Salt & pepper
1 bay leaf
15g / 0.5 oz. dark chocolate (optional)
15g / 1 tbsp corn flour / corn starch (optional)
Preparation
1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once your oil is hot, brown the beef. Do it in 2 batches if you need to, to allow an even browning on all pieces. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, fry the onion, garlic, carrots and celery, about 3-5 minutes, before adding the meat back.
3. Pour in the stock, Guinness, and bay leaf and season to taste. Add the chocolate if you find it too bitter.
4. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 ½ hours, or until the liquid has reduced. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, remove the meat and carrots from the pan using a slotted spoon. In a small bowl, mix a few tablespoons of sauce with 1 tbsp corn flour, whisk until well combined and pour back into the sauce. Let boil for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened, then tip back the meat.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes.
Credit: Foodista