Ingredients

  • 5 lbs chuck blade roast (silver skin removed)
  • 1 lb thick slab bacon (large dice)
  • 8 carrots (rinsed and peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces)
  • 15 shallots (peeled and left whole)
  • 5 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 2 fresh bay leaves
  • 16 ounces apple cider
  • 4 cups beer
  • 8 cups chicken (preferably homemade) or 8 cups beef stock (preferably homemade)
  • 8 sprigs thyme
  • salt
  • 1/2 cup mint leaf (torn)
  • 2 lemons (zest only)

Method

  • Season the roast liberally with salt, about 2 tablespoons, and refrigerate overnight.
  • Pull the meat out an hour before cooking to take the chill off of it. In a large Dutch oven, render the bacon until slightly crispy. Remove the bacon and reserve. Dry off the meat with a paper towel and begin to brown it in that same pan for 2 minutes per side - remove and set aside.
  • Add the carrots, shallot, and garlic with a pinch of salt and sweat for 4 minutes, or until you get a slight caramelization and the vegetables start to release their aromas. Add the coriander and bay leaves, and continue to sweat for 1 minute.
  • Deglaze the pan with the cider, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. Add the beer, and thyme and bring to a simmer. Add the beef back in, along with the bacon and enough of the stock to cover the roast, approximately 8 Celsius Top with a lid, and place it in a 350 degree oven. Cook for 3-4 hours or until tender. Remove from the oven and skim any excess fat.
  • Gently remove the meat to a platter. Spoon the vegetables on top and garnish with the torn mint, and lemon zest.