BRAISED STEAKS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 170C/150C Fan/Gas 3.
• Trim off any hard fat from the beef and season on both sides with salt and lots of pepper. Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Fry the steaks, two at a time, over a medium–high heat for a couple of minutes on each side, or until nicely browned, then transfer to a large flameproof casserole dish. Add a little more oil to the pan if necessary.
• Return the pan to the hob and reduce the heat. Add the remaining oil and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Stir in the garlic, cook for 1 more minute, then transfer the onion and garlic to the casserole dish. Pour over the stock and add the tomato purée, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then cover the casserole and transfer carefully to the oven. Cook for 1¼–1½ hours, or until the beef is very tender.
• Mix the cornflour and mustard powder in a small bowl and stir in a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Remove the lid from the casserole dish and stir in the cornflour mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Place the casserole over a medium–high heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the gravy reduces and becomes thickened and glossy, stirring regularly.
• Transfer the steaks to four warmed plates and spoon over the gravy. Serve with chips.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1. Heat half the oil in a shallow casserole dish. Brown the steaks well on each side, then remove from the pan. Splash the vinegar into the pan and let it bubble and almost evaporate. Add the rest of the olive oil and the onion, and gently fry on a medium heat for 10-15 mins until softened and starting to colour.
• Once the onion has softened, stir in the garlic and the paprika. Cook for 1 min more, tip in the red wine and chopped tomatoes, then stir through the tomato purée and bay leaves. Season, pop the steaks back into the pan, then cover and place in the oven for 2 hrs, stirring halfway through and adding a splash of water if needed. Cook until the meat is very tender. The stew can now be cooled and chilled for 2 days and reheated or frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, scatter with coriander.