GROATY PUDDING / GROATY DICK

Groaty Pudding / Groaty Dick image

Provided by Vanessa Priest

Time 7h20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb beef shin cut small
1 leek
1 onion
2 carrots
1 stick celery
1 c pearl barley if can't get groats
1 pt beef stock
1 tsp thyme, leaves
1 tsp salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 zest and juice of an orange (opt)
2 bay leaves (opt)
1 tsp cooking oil

Steps:

1. Rinse and Soak your grains. If using pearl barley at least a couple of hours or you can do it over night. If using groats then over night.
2. Dice your vegetables and meat into bite size chunks. In a large pan add a teaspoon of oil. I use a metal casserole dish with a lid as my food is going to sit in the bottom oven of the Aga and I hate washing up.
3. Fry the beef until it's just coloured and then add your vegetables (and orange zest if using it). Fry until the onion softens then add your drained grains.
4. Add your herbs and seasonings, and finally the beef stock and orange juice (optional). If you are using a slow cooker then transfer the mixture into the pot and leave it to cook for several hours. I put my casserole dish in the bottom oven of the Aga and go to work or down the pub. But it will take at least 4 hours for the grains to soften and absorb the stock, and for the meat to fall apart. Check your seasoning and add more if needed. Serve warm in a bowl with a spoon and a smile. If you make it in advance to heat up, it tastes even better the next day.