As far back as I can remember my mum has been a great influence in my love for cooking. This is a great favourite which mum has cooked for us over the years.  The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it as spicy as you like – use mild, medium or hot curry powder – depending on your taste. The recipe can easily be doubled up in quantity for a larger crowd or to freeze.  Last year, on Boxing Day my family cooked a variety of spicy casseroles and needless to say mum’s was the first to go!

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. curry power

1 tbsp. flour

750g stewing steak

1 onion chopped

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp. Worcester sauce

1 pint beef stock

30 grams dried apricots cut in half

30 grams sultanas

20 grams desiccated coconut

Coriander and crème fraiche to serve

Method

1. Set oven to 180 degrees
2. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a non-stick frying pan and gently fry the onion
3. Meantime coat the beef in the  curry powder and flour
4. Remove onion from pan, set aside and heat the additional olive oil in the pan
5. Fry the coated beef in batches over a medium heat until nicely browned
6. Put beef and onion in an ovenproof casserole and place in over for 45 minutes
7. Remove from oven and add all remaining ingredients and cook for further 30 minutes or until beef is tender
8. Serve with coriander and crème fraiche