Ingredients for - Beef and Guinness Pies
How to cook deliciously - Beef and Guinness Pies
1. Stage
In a large bowl, toss the beef with 2 tablespoons flour and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. In two batches, brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes total (add 1 tablespoon oil for the second batch); transfer to a plate.
2. Stage
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pot. Add the shallots, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, celery and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stage
Return the beef to the pot with the Guinness and beef broth (make sure beef and vegetables are covered completely, adding additional water if necessary). Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Stage
Once the beef is done, strain the cooking liquid into a large measuring cup (you should still have 3 to 4 cups). Return the beef and vegetables to the pot, discarding the thyme. Melt the butter with 1/2 cup cooking liquid in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the rest of the strained cooking liquid and simmer until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir to melt. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and let cool.
5. Stage
Arrange one rack on the bottom of the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Working with one sheet at a time, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry into a 14" square and cut out two 8" circles and two 6" circles. Fit the 8" cutouts into the bottom and up the sides of two 6" pie plates. Repeat with the remaining sheet. Divide the beef mixture among the pie plates (about 1 1/2 cups per plate). use the 6" cutouts to cover each pie, pinching the edges to seal.
6. Stage
Lightly brush the pastry with the egg, then use a sharp knife to cut 2 diagonal slits in the top of each piece of pastry. Place the pies on a rimmed baking sheet and bake on the lowest rack until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, 45 minutes.