Braised shin of beef

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
500g/1lb 2oz un-smoked pancetta, chopped into large cubes
1.5kg/3lb 5oz shin of beef, sliced into 2.5cm/1in wide rounds
85ml/3fl oz red wine
1kg/2¼lb large organic winter carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 head of celery, roughly chopped
1kg/2¼lb pickling onions or shallots
1kg/2¼lb tomatoes, roasted and sieved to a purée
1 litre/1¾ pints good beef stock or water
1 bouquet garni
mashed potatoes, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan. Add the pancetta and fry until brown and crisp. Remove from the pan and add to a large stock pot or casserole dish.
2. Fry the shin of beef in the frying pan, on both sides, until well browned. Transfer the shin to the stock pot.
3. Pour the red wine into the frying pan and stir, for 2-3 minutes to collect the cooking juices. Tip into the pot.
4. Place the stock pot over a gentle heat. Add the carrots, celery and onions. Pour in the tomato purée and enough stock or water to cover the meat and vegetables. Add the bouquet garni and cover with a lid.
5. Simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with mashed potato.