Steak & roasted shallot pie with a mustard crust

Method

• step 1

  Heat half the olive oil in a large pan and cook the pancetta for a few mins until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Dust the steak with the flour, then brown in the hot pancetta oil – to stop the pan getting overcrowded, do this in two batches. Return all the steak to the pan along with the pancetta.

• step 2

  Add the wine and thyme and bring to the boil. Partially cover with a lid, leaving a gap of about 1cm, and simmer for 2 hrs until the meat is tender, stirring from time to time, and once the sauce has thickened and reduced a little, cover the pan completely.

• step 3

  Meanwhile, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the remaining olive oil and the shallots together. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 45 mins until soft and golden brown.

• step 4

  To make the pastry crust, sift the flour and mustard into a large bowl, then coarsely grate in the frozen butter. Drizzle over 6-8 tbsp cold water and taking care not to over-handle it, lightly bring together to make a firm dough. Wrap and chill for 30 mins.

• step 5

  Stir the roasted shallots, jelly and vinegar into the beef and season, then spoon into a 2-litre pie dish. Raise the oven temp to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.

• step 6

  Roll out the pastry and lay over the filling – it’s a good idea to use a pie funnel to support the pastry and prevent it going soggy in the centre, but it’s not essential. Mix the egg yolk with a little salt, then brush over the top of the pastry. Bake for 30 mins or until the pastry is crisp and golden and the filling is hot right the way through.