Beef, Mushroom & Red Wine Pies

Stewing beef is a good budget choice. It needs longer cooking, but the result is worth it.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 14  ounces  lean stewing beef, all fat removed and cut into chunks
• 2  onions, cut into thin wedges
• 10 1⁄2 ounces button mushrooms
• 1  garlic clove, crushed
• 1  sprig thyme, leaves only
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups red wine
• 7  ounces  shortcrust pastry
• 1  egg, beaten
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 325°F Heat the olive oil in a non-stick casserole with a lid. Add the beef in batches and brown all over. Scoop out beef then add the onions and cook until just browned. Remove the onions then add the mushrooms and cook until slightly coloured.
2. Add the beef and onions back to the pan with the garlic and thyme, cook for a minute then sprinkle over the flour and stir well. Gradually add the wine, stirring, and bring to a simmer. Season. Cover, transfer to the oven and cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
3. Take out and turn up the oven to 375°F Divide the beef between 4 small pie dishes. Roll out the pastry thinly, cut the pastry into thin strips and use to make a lattice across the tops of the dishes. Brush with egg to glaze. Cook for another 30 minutes until pastry is crisp and golden.