Ingredients

900gstewing steak,diced

25gflour,plus extra for dusting

100gbutter

2onions,roughly chopped

2garlic cloves,roughly chopped

2medium carrots,roughly chopped

150gbutton mushrooms

2sprigsfresh thyme

400mlgood-quality ale

500mlbeef stock

salt

pepper

1egg,beaten for glazing

300gready-made rolled puff pastry

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 428 degrees F.

Pour flour into a bowl and season well. Coat the meat with the seasoned flour.

Heat half the butter in a heated pan and add the meat. Sear all over until golden brown.

Add the vegetables, herbs, ale and stock. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and gently simmer for 1 hour. When cooked, season, add the remaining butter and pour into an ovenproof serving dish.

Brush the edge of the dish with the beaten egg. Roll out the pastry using as little flour as possible and place over the dish.

Pinch the edges of the dish so that the pastry will stick to it and trim off any remaining pieces of pastry from around the edge. Brush the pastry top thoroughly with the remaining beaten egg and place on a baking tray.

Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 mins until the pastry is golden brown on top.