Lancashire Hotpot

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound stew meat
• 1 stick unsalted butter, divided
• 1-1/2 pounds potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 medium bay leaves
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown stew meat in 2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan over medium high heat. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add 2 tablespoons butter to pan and sauté onions and carrots until soft. Sprinkle with flour to form a roux, and cook until flour is golden and slightly nutty. Add Worcestershire and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Stir in meat, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper. Transfer to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4. Arrange potato slices on top of meat mixture. Top potatoes with remaining butter, diced into smaller chunks, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 1-1/2 hours or until potatoes are soft.
5. Remove foil and broil for 5-8 minutes or until potatoes are browned. Cool 10 minutes before serving.