Recipe of the month: Pulled beef nacho fries

Preparation time: over 2 hours

Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins Serves 4

Ingredients

For the pulled beef

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1kg North Aston Farms stewing steak

• 500ml beef stock

• 200ml barbecue sauce

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 tbsp soft light brown sugar

• salt and black pepper

For the guacamole

• 2 avocados, peeled and stones removed

• ½ green chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped

• ½ lime, juice only

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• pinch mild chilli powder

• small handful chopped coriander

For the tomato salsa

• 2 large vine tomatoes, finely chopped

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• ½ green chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped

• squeeze lime juice

• pinch mild chilli powder

• 1 heaped tbsp finely chopped chives

To serve

• 600g frozen French fries

• pinch mixed dried herbs

• 150g soured cream

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160C/140C Fan/Gas 3, or get a slow cooker ready.

2. To make the pulled beef, heat the oil in a large, flameproof casserole or deep sauté pan over a high heat. Sear the beef in batches, making sure it's browned evenly on all sides. Remove the pieces to a paper-lined plate whilst you cook the rest.

3. Pour the stock into the pan, along with the remaining pulled beef ingredients, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Mix together, then return the browned meat to the pan.

4. Cover the pan with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 4–5 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender, and the sauce has reduced and thickened. Alternatively, transfer to a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours. Check towards the end of the cooking time as you may need to add a splash of water.

5. Meanwhile, make the guacamole and salsa. For the guacamole, mash the avocadoes with a fork and stir in the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. For the salsa, mix all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.

6. When the beef is nearly cooked, cook the fries following the packet instructions.

7. To serve, pull the cooked beef apart in the sauce using two forks. Toss the cooked fries with a pinch of mixed herbs. Load the pulled beef on top of the fries and top with the guacamole, salsa and soured cream.