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4–6
Medium
By Alastair Little and Richard Whittington
Published 1998
Why a beef pie should have been called a ‘sea’ pie is not clear unless its simplicity meant a ship’s cook could produce one even in rough weather. This recipe daringly includes beer and a bay leaf. Use bitter or stout, not lager, but if you want to be basic just use water. Just-cooked Savoy cabbage makes a nice accompaniment.
Dredge the pieces of beef in flour and brown them in the lard or beef dripping in a medium-hot pan. Transfer to a shallow saucepan. Fry the onion and carrots in the remaining fat. When softened put them with the meat.
Add the bay leaf and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and push down with a slotted spoon or potato masher to compress, then pour over just enough beer to cover. Bring t