Pic of Pot roast beef brisket in ale

Pot roast beef brisket in ale

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Meat mains

Pot roast beef brisket in ale

Main Serves 4 4h 20 min
Brisket is an economical cut of beef and much underused. It's suitable for a slow cook to tenderise the meat. It does shrink up a little in cooking but there's plenty on our joint for 2 meals for 4, especially if you're following our less meat campaign. Serve the pot roast with plenty of seasonal veg and there's lots of ready-made gravy so you'll need some mash to mop up the juices.

Cook's notes

This is a basic recipe but by all means add extras if you like; a little garlic, some bay, use stock instead of ale if you prefer, or a mix of red wine and stock, it's up to you.

Ingredients

  • 1.3kg beef brisket
  • oil for frying e.g. sunflower or light olive
  • 4 carrots
  • 2 onions
  • 2 celery sticks
  • 1 tbsp plain flour
  • 1 bottle of ale (500ml)
  • 4 good thyme sprigs
  • salt and pepper

Method

Prep time: 5 min
Cooking time: 4h 15 min

  • Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 150°C/Gas 2. Rub the brisket with a little oil and season all over with a little salt and pepper. Heat a flameproof casserole, one with a lid, that one fits the meat fairly snugly. Fry the brisket to seal and brown it on all sides (this will take a good few minutes, longer than you might think).

  • Step 2

    Transfer the brisket to a plate. Add the carrots, onions, celery to the same pan. Fry on a low heat, stirring now and then, for 10 minutes to get them on their way.

  • Step 3

    Add the flour and stir for 2 minutes. Add the bottle of ale and thyme. Pop the brisket back in, with any juices from the plate. You want the liquid to be about two-thirds up the brisket, so top up with a little water or stock if needs be.

  • Step 4

    Season with salt and pepper, bring up to a low boil, pop on a lid and cook in the oven for 4 hours until tender. Remove the beef and slice half of it to serve 4, saving the rest for leftovers.