Ingredients

• 2 lb lean beef
• 2 tblsp flour
• 2 tblsp oil
• 400 g chopped vegetables
• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 150 ml chicken stock
• 500 ml can Guinness
• 2 fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs
• 4 smoked rashers (cooked and chopped)

Method

1. Pat beef dry in kitchen paper and leave to sit out of the fridge for 20 minutes.
2. Brown in the saucepan with a little oil over a high heat.
3. Add the vegetables to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the flour and mix well, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
5. Slowly add the Guinness and the stock and bring to the boil, then pour into a casserole dish and cover.
6. Allow to simmer away gently in the oven at 170°C until the beef is cooked, approximately 1½ – 2 hours.
7. Season by adding the smoked rashers and add a drop of Guinness to your own taste.
8. Serve with really creamy mash with cream and  butter.

There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
‘Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland,
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.