SERVES 6-8
7oo-8oog boneless shin
of beef (or veal or
mutton), trimmed of
excess fat
1 large onion, peeled
1 large carrot, peeled
1 medium turnip, peeled
1 large waxy potato, such
as Desiree or Charlotte,
peeled
2 celery sticks, trimmed
3 tbsp olive oil
sea salt and black pepper
330ml bottle light beer
or cider
sooml beef or veal stock
(see page 244)
few thyme sprigs, plus
extra leaves to garnish
1 bay leaf
20g butter, softened
20g plain flour
78 SOUPS AND BROTHS
Hodge podge SOUp
As the name indicates, this hearty, peasant-style soup
varies according to the ingredients that happen to be in
any kitchen. The British equivalent of the French garbure,
it uses a cheap cut of meat (usually beef, mutton or veal)
and whatever root vegetables are to hand. Pearl barley can
be used to bulk up the soup instead of potato if you prefer.Cut the beef into small bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, carrot,
turnip, potato and celery into even 2cm dice.Heat a large, heavy-based saucepan and add half the olive oil. Season
the beef with salt and pepper and fry in batches, for about 2 minutes
on each side until evenly browned all over. Transfer the beef to a plate
and set aside.Add the remaining oil to the pan and saute the vegetables over a
medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in the
beer and let bubble until reduced by half. Return the beef to the pan
and pour in the stock. Add the herbs and top up with enough water to
cover the meat and vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer and skim off
the scum and froth that rise to the surface. Cook slowly, skimming
occasionally, for 3-4 hours until the meat is meltingly tender. Discard
the herbs.Mix the butter with the flour to make a thick paste (beurre manie),
then stir this into the simmering soup, a small piece at a time. Simmer,
stirring, for another S minutes or until the soup thickens. Taste and
adjust the seasoning, adding a generous grinding of pepper.Serve the soup in warm bowls with a sprinkling of thyme leaves, as a
meal in itself with plenty of crusty bread and perhaps a side salad.