Steak and ale - which ale?

[Epona]

This might be a really stupid question.

I have scored some very good value beef shin which is going to be lovely as a slow-cooked stew with all my leftover carrots and parsnips after xmas.

I often do stews with red wine, but I think with all the root veg an ale would work really well.

What ale though? Suggestions would be most welcome!

 

[High Voltage]

I would suggest one that you would choose to drink and not a cheap "cooking ale" I believe its similar guidelines for the food of wine to use for cooking. So something dark around the 5%ABV level (yes the alcohol will evaporate off but drinks around this ABV tend to taste better)

 

[Athos]

I find Old Speckled Hen to give good results I cooking. But it's probably a matter of personal taste.

 

[fucthest8]

Black Sheep for sure. Trust me on this.

 

[Epona]

I would suggest one that you would choose to drink and not a cheap "cooking ale" I believe its similar guidelines for the food of wine to use for cooking. So something dark around the 5%ABV level (yes the alcohol will evaporate off but drinks around this ABV tend to taste better)

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a cooking ale I'd be aiming to get a bottle for the stew and a bottle for me to drink while I was eating it. I just don't normally drink ale Last time I picked a beer for a stew it was too bitter, I'd rather avoid that mistake.

 

[Epona]

I find Old Speckled Hen to give good results I cooking. But it's probably a matter of personal taste.

I know I like drinking that, will try to get hold of a bottle or two - I know I like it so it seems like a good bet

 

[Saffy]

Black Sheep for sure. Trust me on this.

This. I love Black Sheep and I also love the story behind it.

 

[Epona]

Black Sheep for sure. Trust me on this.

Awesome, will look for that too.

 

[fucthest8]

This. I love Black Sheep and I also love the story behind it.

Ooh, what's the story, I don't know it!

 

[Sprocket.]

FYI Marks & Spencer Yorkshire Ale is really Black Sheep Ale.

 

[Saffy]

Ooh, what's the story, I don't know it!

It was founded by Paul Theakston when Theakstons were bought out against his wishes. He then decided to go it alone and make his own independent brewery, hence the name Black Sheep.

The Black Sheep Story | Black Sheep Brewery

 

[Epona]

FYI Marks & Spencer Yorkshire Ale is really Black Sheep Ale.

Oh I got a £20 M&S gift card, £16 is earmarked for a bra multipack (yeah yeah live fast die young was never really my style, I am more comfy shoes and decent support at a good price when it comes down to it) so maybe I will spend the leftover £4 on their "Yorkshire Ale" Thanks for the idea!

 

[fucthest8]

It was founded by Paul Theakston when Theakstons were bought out against his wishes. He then decided to go it alone and make his own independent brewery, hence the name Black Sheep.

The Black Sheep Story | Black Sheep Brewery

Ha, I did not know that! Brilliant, good on him.

 

[Sprocket.]

Oh I got a £20 M&S gift card, £16 is earmarked for a bra multipack (yeah yeah live fast die young was never really my style, I am more comfy shoes and decent support at a good price when it comes down to it) so maybe I will spend the leftover £4 on their "Yorkshire Ale" Thanks for the idea!

I’ve just been checking on the M&S site and I cannot find the strong Yorkshire ale, only the Yorkshire gold,one I haven’t tried.

 

[astral]

Make sure you chuck a spoonful of sugar in with the steak and ale. It can go a bit vinegary if you don't.

I tend to use a lighter golden ale for steak and ale, and whole shallots.

 

[Epona]

Thanks everyone. It is going in the freezer for now as I never intended to use it right away, but I have some lovely looking beef shin which I intend to cook very very slowly on a low heat on the hob for a long time, with leftover xmas carrots and parsnips and I think a nice ale would work really well in that dish (and a bottle to drink while I am eating it of course!) Served with mustard mash. I am more excited about this than I am about my xmas dinner I love a good stew.

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

Badger ale, Poachers Choice is always good for a stew. Rich, ruby ale with a hint of liquorice and damson fruit - all complementary tastes to beef or game and strong enough to not get overwhelmed by all the other flavours.

I've done almost exactly your dish in the slow cooker before Epona , it's effing magic

 

[Epona]

Badger ale, Poachers Choice is always good for a stew. Rich, ruby ale with a hint of liquorice and damson fruit - all complementary tastes to beef or game and strong enough to not get overwhelmed by all the other flavours.

I've done almost exactly your dish in the slow cooker before Epona , it's effing magic

I don't have a slow cooker, but I am used to braising/stewing stuff slowly on the hob in a heavy pan - I think it will be lush

 

[Baronage-Phase]

Not ale...but have you ever used Guinness? It's ace

 

[Epona]

Not ale...but have you ever used Guinness? It's ace

I have, but I wanted something a little lighter for the dish I have in mind. Also if I buy Guinness the OH will drink it before it gets into a cooking pot

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

I don't have a slow cooker, but I am used to braising/stewing stuff slowly on the hob in a heavy pan - I think it will be lush

Same thing really, just cook it low and slow. If it's good quality beef it'll melt in the mouth, flipping lovely