beery barley beef

Preparation time 15 minutes

Cooking temperature low

Cooking time 9–10 hours

Serves 4

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

625 g (1¼ lb) lean stewing beef, cubed

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon plain flour

250 g (8 oz) carrots, diced

250 g (8 oz) parsnips or potatoes, diced

300 ml (½ pint) light ale

750 ml (1¼ pint) beef stock

small bunch of mixed herbs or dried bouquet garni

100 g (3½ oz) pearl barley

salt and pepper

Preheat the slow cooker if necessary; see the manufacturer’s instructions. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the beef a few pieces at a time until it is all in the pan, then fry over a high heat, stirring, until browned. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to the slow cooker pot.

Add the onion to the frying pan and fry, stirring, for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Mix in the flour, then add the root vegetables and beer and bring to the boil, stirring. Pour into the slow cooker pot.

Add the stock to the frying pan with the herbs and a little salt and pepper, bring to the boil, then pour into the slow cooker pot. Add the pearl barley, cover with the lid and cook on low for 9–10 hours until the beef is tender. Serve with herb croutons (see below), if liked.

For herb croutons to accompany the beef beat 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped chives and 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon and a little black pepper into 75 g (3 oz) soft butter. Thickly slice ½ French stick, toast lightly on both sides, then spread with the herb butter.