Beef carbonnade

Method

1. Heat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Heat a splash of olive oil in a hob-proof casserole (with a lid) and fry the lardons for a few minutes until starting to crisp and release their oil. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat, then fry gently for 10 minutes until softened.
2. Meanwhile, heat a splash more oil in a large frying pan. Working in batches, brown the beef all over, then set aside on a plate (see tips). Stir the flour into the onions, then add the beef and any juices, the garlic, tomato purée, mustard, beer, 400ml stock (add a little more if the meat isn’t covered), herbs and sugar. Bring up to a simmer, then cover with the lid and cook in the oven for 2½-3 hours until the meat is tender.
3. Remove the bay leaves and thyme, then serve with extra mustard, fries and/or crusty bread for mopping up the gravy.