Description
Tender oxtail simmered to perfection in a rich ale stew, then topped with a flaky crust. A hearty, make-ahead meal perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 oxtail
- 2 white onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 7 oz (200 g) button mushrooms
- 10 juniper berries
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 large bottle ale
- 1.7 cups (500 ml) beef stock
- salt and pepper
- butter/oil for frying
- 9 oz (250 g) plain flour
- 9 oz (250 g) butter
- pinch salt
- 0.4 cups (100 ml) cold water
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a very hot, ovenproof pan.
- Remove the meat, add mushrooms, and brown quickly.
- Reduce heat, add sliced onions, and cook until soft.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return meat and mushrooms to the pan.
- Add juniper berries, bay leaves, ale, stock, and seasoning; bring to a boil.
- Ensure meat is covered in liquid, cover the pan, and bake at 230-248°F (110-120°C) for at least 8 hours.
- For the pastry: Sift flour and salt into a bowl, add cubed butter, and use your fingers to combine.
- Slowly add water until a rough dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Roll out the pastry into a rectangle, rolling in one direction only. Fold the top third down, then the bottom third up. Turn 90 degrees and repeat.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Roll the pastry into a 0.5cm thick rectangle.
- Prepare the pie filling: sieve the mixture, reserving the liquid for gravy.
- Place the filling in a dish, top with pastry, and bake in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To finish the gravy: heat through in a pan. If needed, thicken with a cornflour paste or a roux.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the oxtail in the ale for at least 2 hours before browning.
- Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Substitute stout or porter for the ale for a richer, darker stew.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 50
- Cholesterol: 150