Beef in beer with dumplings

Set the oven to Gas Mark 3 or 160°C. Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large pan and brown meat, in 2 batches, if necessary. Transfer to a casserole dish.

Add the rest of the oil to pan, then add the vegetables and cook for 5 mins.

Pour in beer, bring to the boil and add 200ml (7fl oz) hot water, the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Cover and cook in oven for 2½ hours until meat and veg are tender. Stir and add more liquid if it looks as though its drying out.