BEEF, ALE & WALNUT CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 160 C/325 F/ Gas Mark 3. Heat oil in large flameproof casserole, add beef, and cook over moderate to high heat for 2-3 minutes until browned all over.
• Using a slotted spoon remove beef from casserole to a plate. Fry onion in casserole, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until soft, not coloured. Add flour and cook stirring continuously for 1 minute. Add beef stock, ale, tomato puree, thyme, bay, sugar slt and pepper and bring to boil, stirring until smooth and thickened.
• Return beef to the casserole, and bring back to boil. Cover casserole and cook in pre-heated oven, for approximately 2 hours or until tender.
• Add walnuts for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.