Beef and Guinness stew with whipped potatoes

Method

• Step 1
  Preheat oven to 160°C. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a casserole dish over high heat, then cook beef, in 2 batches, turning until browned. Remove and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon oil to dish and cook celery, carrots and onion for 8 minutes. Stir in paste then flour. Cook for 1 minute. Add wine and Guinness then simmer until reduced by 1/2. Add stock and simmer until reduced by 1/2. Return beef to pan with bay leaf and bring to a simmer.
• Step 2
  Cover dish with a lid. Transfer to oven and cook for 2 hours or until meat is tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove meat and keep warm. Heat remaining oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add bacon and shallots and cook, stirring, for 8 minutes or until shallots are softened. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until soft. Add bacon mixture to cooking liquid and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes or until thickened. Return beef to dish and reheat.
• Step 3
  Meanwhile, steam potatoes, in a steamer over a pan of simmering water for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain water from pan. Add butter and cream and heat until boiling. Add potatoes and, using electric beaters (or a potato masher or ricer), beat until smooth. Serve stew, scattered with parsley on potatoes, with beans.