Easy Mutton Stew

Ingredients

• 800g stewing mutton
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 4 large carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 750ml mutton stock
• 2 bay leaves
• rosemary sprig or a pinch of dried rosemary

Method

1. Heat the oven to 160˚C.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish. Add the meat in batches and brown over a high heat for 5 mins, then lift onto a plate. Tip in the onions and carrots, and cook for 8-10 mins until starting to colour.
3. Scatter over the flour and stir for a few minutes, then stir in the tomato purée and cook for a few minutes more. Tip the meat and any resting juices back into the dish and stir well. Pour over the stock, tuck in the herbs and season well. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
4. Cover with a lid and put in the oven for about 2 hrs 30 mins until the meat is tender. Once cooled, the stew can be chilled and frozen for up to three months – defrost completely before reheating on the hob for 5 mins over a medium heat, until piping hot. Leave to settle for a minute or two, then serve with mash and greens.