Total cooking and preparation time approximately 1½ hours

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 dried mushrooms
2 tbsp olive oil
2 lb best diced braising steak
2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
2 large or 4 small onions, halved and sliced
4 oz streaky bacon, cut into strips
½ pint white wine
2 tbsp tomato purée
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
4 cups penne pasta
¼ cup parmesan, grated

Method

1. Soak the dried mushrooms in half a pint of warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan on a high heat and fry the beef, garlic, onions and bacon until the meat has browned and the onions have softened.
3. Drain the mushrooms, reserving the liquid, then set aside.
4. Stir in the wine, tomato purée, dried mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, cinnamon, rosemary, mushroom liquid, salt and pepper.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for about an hour until the meat is tender.
6. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet.
7. Drain, return to the pan and stir in the parmesan.
8. Serve the stew with the pasta.