Beef in Guinness

I love my beef stews. And when talking to my friend Julie she suggested a Beef in Guinness recipe. Now, personally I am not a big fan of this famous Irish export, but she assured me that it really worked in this recipe and I just love trying new things, so had to give it a go.
I have to say it is delicious, so thank you Julie!

Ingredients:

½ oz Butter                                                   

Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

2lb Stewing Beef                                        

4 Medium Onions (Chopped)

8oz Mushrooms (Sliced)
                   

Bay Leaf, Mixed Herbs                               

2 Tablespoons Plain Flour

1 Tablespoon Tomato Puree
1 Can or Bottle of Guinness or Ale
1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, gas 4
Heat the oil & butter and brown the meat in batches. Remove from the pan.

Add chopped onions & sliced mushrooms and  gently cook for 10 minutes until softened.

Add the flour and cook this out for 2 minutes, before adding bay leaf, herbs, tomato puree, sugar and Guinness.

Bring to the boil, stirring all the time.

Return the beef to the pan and season to taste.

Put in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours and serve with some buttered mash