Beef in Stout - Northern Ireland

From The Dairy Book of British Food. "This is a simple dish but one that's packed with goodness. Stout gets its dark colour and bitterness from the roasted malt or barley used in its brewing. It makes a delicious gravy when used in a casserole, and a touch of sugar brings out the flavour even more". Serve with a favorite mashed potato recipe and vegetables.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 ounce butter
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2  lbs stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4  medium onions, sliced
• 8  ounces button mushrooms, halved
•  salt and pepper
• 2  tablespoons plain flour
• 1⁄2 pint stout beer
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  teaspoon  soft dark brown sugar

Directions

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large flameproof casserole and cook the meat for 10 minutes, until browned all over. Remove the meat from the pan with a slotted spoon.
2. Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan, adding more oil if necessary, and fry until softened. Season to taste, add the flour and stir well so that the flour absorbs the fat.
3. Return the meat to the pan, pour in the stout, and add the bay leaf and brown sugar. Stir well to mix.
4. Cover and cook gently, either on top of the stove or in the oven at 350F for about 2 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.