MARINATED STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS SERVED WITH CREAMY BEANS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 to 8 large Portobello mushrooms, cleaned, stalks removed, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
5 tbsp (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra
¼ cup (60 ml) white wine
1 fresh rosemary sprig, leaves only, minced
2 or 3 slices day-old sourdough bread, torn into pieces
1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
¾ cup (175 ml) diced, roasted red peppers
½ cup (125 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) capers in brine, drained, rinsed and chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can white kidney or navy beans, drained
½ cup (125 ml) vegetable stock
½ tsp (2 ml) finely grated lemon zest
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
3 tbsp (45 ml) whipping cream
2 cups (500 ml) baby spinach
4 x 5 oz (140 g) salmon fillets, skin on (optional)
micro greens, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
- Place mushroom caps in a shallow baking dish large enough to accommodate in a single layer. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, wine and rosemary. Pour over mushrooms and set aside to marinate, turning occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make mushroom stuffing. In a food processor, pulse bread until chopped into ¼-in (1 cm) pieces. You should have about ½ cup (125 ml) bread crumbs. Reserve any remaining for another use.
- In a large frying pan, warm remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil over medium heat. Add leek and cook until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in roasted peppers and diced mushroom stalks and cook, stirring, until all liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Remove frying pan from heat and stir in parsley, capers, reserved ½ cup (125 ml) bread crumbs and 1 tbsp (15 ml) mushroom marinading liquid. Season stuffing to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon stuffing into mushrooms, gill-side up, in baking dish and bake in oven until warm and stuffing is lightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened but not browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in drained beans and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, before folding in lemon zest, mustard, whipping cream and spinach. Season to taste with salt and pepper, cover with lid, then remove from heat and set aside.
- If using salmon, warm a large frying pan or grill pan over medium- high heat. Brush salmon fillets liberally with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip over and finish cooking on other side, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- To serve, divide creamy beans among serving plates. Top with a stuffed mushroom and a piece of salmon, if using. Drizzle any remaining sauce from beans over salmon and around plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of micro greens and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
CANTONESE-STYLE HALIBUT WITH SOY, GINGER AND GREEN ONION
Ingredients
Serves 4 as part of a multi-course meal
2 lbs (1 kg) halibut fillets
3 tsp (15 ml) salt, divided
½ tsp (2 ml) Chinese dried fermented black beans, rinsed, dried and minced
8 sprigs cilantro, torn
1 x 1-in (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger root, lightly smashed
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 whole green onions, cut into thirds
2 tbsp (30 ml) peanut oil
4 tsp (20 ml) granulated sugar, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) Chinese white rice wine, or dry sherry
3 tbsp (45 ml) light soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) dry sherry
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh ginger root, peeled finely julienned, for garnish
2 green onions, finely julienned, for garnish
8 sprigs cilantro, for garnish
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable or peanut oil
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse fillets, drain and pat dry. Mix together 1 tsp (5 ml) salt and minced black beans and gently rub over and under fillets. Using a fish poacher or a saucepan large enough to hold fish, add about 1½-in (3.75 cm) cold water (about 2 to 3 L).
- Add torn cilantro, ginger, garlic, green onions, peanut oil, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, 2 tsp (10 ml) sugar and rice wine. Bring to a boil. When poaching liquid is at a rapid boil, add fillets, cover and return to a boil. Cook for 1 minute, covered, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and allow fish to rest for a further 4 minutes, covered. To test for doneness, poke thickest part of fish with a fork or chopstick. Fish should flake easily. Many prefer fish slightly underdone, to keep flesh moist and succulent. If you prefer a well-done fillet, allow them to simmer for another 2 minutes, covered. Over-cooking will toughen the fish.
- Carefully remove fillets from saucepan, drain well and transfer to a warm serving platter. In a small saucepan, heat together soy sauce, 2 tsp (10 ml) sugar and sherry. Pour over fillets and garnish with ginger, green onion and cilantro sprigs. Heat vegetable or peanut oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully pour hot oil over fillets and serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
PANKO-CRUSTED HALIBUT WITH GARLIC AND HERB SPOT PR AWNS
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 x 6 oz (180 g) halibut fillets, skin removed
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
2 lemons, juice only, divided
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tsp (20 ml) mayonnaise
1 lemon, zest only, finely chopped, divided
1 cup (250 ml) panko bread crumbs
4 tbsp (60 ml) grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced shallot
1½ tbsp (22 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh dill, divided
4 tbsp (60 ml) melted butter, divided
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
12 large spot prawns, headed and peeled
2 tbsp (30 ml) dry white wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a baking rack on top. Coat rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drizzle 1½ tbsp (22 ml) olive oil and half the lemon juice on halibut and season with salt and pepper. Divide and spread mayonnaise over top of each fillet and place on baking rack.
- In a mixing bowl, add half the lemon zest, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan, shallot, salt, pepper, chives and half the parsley, dill and butter. Evenly press topping on each fillet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or just until cooked through or until flaky.
- While fish is baking, heat a medium-sized frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add remaining 1½ tbsp (22 ml) olive oil and remaining melted butter. Add garlic and sauté. When fragrant, add prawns and remaining herbs, remaining lemon zest and juice and white wine. Sauté until just opaque and pink.
- To serve, remove fish from oven and transfer onto warm serving plates. Top fish with a couple of sautéed prawns. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices.
Drink Pairings
ARTICHOKE AND PROSCIUTTO TART WITH POLENTA CRUST
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer
POLENTA CRUST:
1¼ cups (300 ml) water
1½ cups (375 ml) vegetable stock
1¼ cups (300 ml) polenta
½ cup (125 ml) shredded Asiago or Parmesan
1 large egg
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper
FILLING:
1 cup (250 ml) full-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 large eggs
3 whole green onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 oz (340 g) package of frozen, quartered artichoke hearts, thawed and drained
2 thin slices prosciutto, coarsely chopped
2 oz (60 g) crumbled goat’s cheese
½ cup (125 ml) shredded Asiago or Parmesan
arugula, for garnish
Instructions
- For POLENTA CRUST: Iin a saucepan, bring water and vegetable stock to a boil over medium-high heat. Whisk in polenta, pouring in a thin stream. Continue to whisk about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon every couple minutes to prevent sticking to bottom. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in cheese, egg, salt and pepper.
- Grease a 10-in (25 cm) ceramic tart pan. Transfer polenta to pan and spread mixture across centre of pan, pushing it up sides. Set aside for 15 minutes to set, then, with your fingers, form an even rim about ½-in (1 cm) thick.
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). To make FILLING: In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt, eggs, green onions, parsley, rosemary, cayenne and black pepper until well combined. Evenly distribute artichokes and prosciutto over crust. Sprinkle with goat’s cheese and gently pour filling over top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake in centre of oven until top turns golden brown and filling is set, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and set aside to firm for 30 to 40 minutes. Garnish with arugula, slice and serve.
Drink Pairings
SEARED CITRUS PEPPERED TUNA WITH LEMON-PEPPER OIL
Ingredients
Serves 4
LEMON-PEPPER OIL:
2 lemons, zest only
2 tsp (5 ml) black peppercorns
1 cup (250 ml) grape seed oil
2 sprigs fresh thyme
TUNA MARINADE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) Tamari soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) Lemon-Pepper Oil
2 limes, juice only
½ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cinnamon
freshly ground black pepper
6 oz (180 g) ahi tuna, sushi grade
CHOPPED SALAD:
1 cup (250 ml) jicama, peeled and finely diced
1 cup (250 ml) mango, peeled, pitted and finely diced
1 medium-sized avocado, peeled pitted and finely diced
¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely diced
½ cup (125 ml) English cucumber, unpeeled and finely diced
1 cup (250 ml) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (250 ml) mixed micro greens
SALAD DRESSING:
⅓ cup (75 ml) Lemon-Pepper Oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely grated lime zest
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
½ tsp (2 ml) ground cumin
¼ tsp (1 ml) allspice
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
2 tbsp (30 ml) Thai basil, chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh mint, chopped
liquid honey, to taste
Instructions
- For LEMON-PEPPER OIL: In a saucepan, combine lemon zest and peppercorns with grape seed oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes for flavours to blend.
- Remove from heat and add thyme sprigs. Cool to room temperature. Transfer to a small bottle. Seal and store at room temperature.
- To make TUNA MARINADE: In a small bowl whisk together Tamari, Lemon- Pepper Oil, lime juice and seasonings. Transfer to a larger, shallow bowl and add tuna loin. Roll tuna in marinade to coat. Cover with wrap and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- To cook, heat a heavy frying pan until very hot. Spray with oil. Discard tuna marinade. Add tuna to hot pan and sear for 15 to 20 seconds per side just until outside is lightly cooked. You want it pink in centre. Remove to a plate and let rest a couple minutes before cutting into ¼-in (0.25 cm) slices. Tuna can be seared and left whole and refrigerated up to 5 hours before serving.
- Make CHOPPED SALAD: Combine all diced fruits and vegetables except for micro greens in a bowl. Gently toss together. Scatter onto a long ceramic serving platter. Slice tuna and arrange over top.
- In a bowl, whisk all SALAD DRESSING ingredients, except for honey. Add honey to taste. Drizzle over top and scatter with micro greens. Serve cold.
Drink Pairings
VEGGIE MEDLEY PLATTER
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
½ acorn squash, seeds scraped and removed, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices
2 jewel yams, peeled and cut into ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick rounds
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, about 1½ cups (375 ml)
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 baby romaine hearts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
1 cup (250 ml) sugar snap peas, blanched
½ cup (125 ml) sunflower seed sprouts
½ cup (125 ml) toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
CREAMY AVOCADO GARLIC DIP:
2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted
2 large garlic cloves, smashed and minced
2 tsp (10 ml) lemon juice
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Place squash and yam slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil and rub in to evenly coat. Arrange in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet, placing squash on one half of baking sheet and overlapping yam slices on the other half. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Flip vegetables and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until fork-tender but still firm.
- In a large frying pan, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil over medium-high heat. Add chickpeas and sauté, stirring often, until crispy and golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Dust with paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat. Set aside.
- When squash and potatoes are done, remove from oven and arrange on a large platter along with romaine hearts and peas. Scatter toasted chickpeas, sunflower seed sprouts and pepitas over top. Serve with Creamy Avocado Garlic Dip.
- To make CREAMY AVOCADO GARLIC DIP: Combine avocado, garlic, lemon juice and mayonnaise in a food processor and whirl until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Veggie Medley. Makes 1 cup (125 ml)
Drink Pairings
LOCAL LING COD WITH TANDOORI POTATOES IN GINGER-COCONUT MOLE
Ingredients
Serves 4
GINGER-COCONUT MOLE:
6 tbsp (90 ml) grapeseed oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) yellow mustard seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) crushed, dried curry leaf
1 tbsp (15 ml) whole caraway seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced, peeled ginger root
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced, seeded serrano pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
6 tbsp (90 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
3 tbsp (45 ml) turmeric
4 tsp (20 ml) Ras al Hanout
6 cups (1.5 L) coconut milk
TANDOORI DICED POTATOES:
1½ lbs (675 ml) baby Yukon Gold potatoes
2 fresh bay leaves
6 tbsp + 2 tsp (100 ml) Tandoori Masala
1 tbsp (15 ml) Amchur Powder (dried mango powder)
½ lb (250 g) cold unsalted butter, finely diced
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
LING COD:
4 x 6 oz (180 g) ling cod fillets, skinned and boned
salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) unsalted butter
1 lemon, thinly sliced
SEASONED BABY SPINACH:
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
1 large shallot, peeled and finely minced
3 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
½ lb (250 g) trimmed baby spinach leaves
⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- To make GINGER-COCONUT MOLE: Heat grapeseed oil in a small heavy saucepan. Add mustard seeds, curry leaf and caraway and cook for 1 minute over medium to medium- high heat or until seeds begin to pop. Add garlic, ginger, serrano pepper and sugar. Stir over medium heat until sugar begins to caramelize. Add lime juice to deglaze pan. Stir in cilantro, turmeric and Ras al Hanout while lime juice still in pan to absorb spices. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered until mixture is reduced by a quarter. Strain sauce through a fine-meshed sieve and set sauce aside to cool. Can be refrigerated, covered for a couple of days. Simply reheat small portions as needed.
- To make TANDOORI DICED POTATOES: Place whole potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with about 1-in (2.5 cm) water. Add a pinch of salt and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, cover and with lid ajar, reduce to simmer. Cook until tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- In a large bowl, combine masala and Amchur Powder. Chop or dice potatoes and mix into spices to evenly distribute. Crush potatoes into spices, if desired. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour or up to 1 day for spice flavours to enhance potatoes.
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Spread potato mixture out on a parchment- lined baking sheet. Dot with diced butter and lemon zest. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or just until they start to brown and develop a little crunch.
- Remove tray to a rack and cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add lemon juice, cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Mix with hands or a spoon. Can be served as is, if desired, or press into metal ring moulds to form a small puck. Refrigerate pucks (or freeze) on a baking tray, covered with plastic wrap. Can be refrigerated for a couple of days. Or frozen for a couple of weeks. Bake as many pucks as needed at 350 F (180 C) until piping hot.
- To cook LING COD: Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, heavy frying pan until almost smoking. Using tongs, add cod fillets, skin-side down, and sear in hot oil, shaking pan to prevent them from sticking. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another minute or until bottom is golden. Add butter and lemon slices to the empty spaces in pan. Once butter has melted, flip fish fillets and turn heat off. The residual heat will cook fish fillets through. If fillets are extra thick, place in a warm oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
- While fish rests, prepare Seasoned Baby Spinach. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook until golden brown, stirring often. Add butter. Once melted, add spinach. Cook for 5 to 6 seconds, gently flipping leaves with tongs. Add wine and cook a few seconds longer or until desired doneness. Season with lemon, salt and pepper. Use a slotted spoon to serve.
- To serve, place a large spoonful of warmed Ginger-Coconut Mole in bottom of a shallow serving dish. Rest a warmed potato puck in sauce and place a spoonful of spinach on top. Top with a fillet of cod. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
FISH AND SEAFOOD POT PIE
Ingredients
Serves 8
4 cups (1 L) water
¼ cup (60 ml) white vermouth
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 lb (500 g) wild pink salmon fillet
1 lb (500 g) firm, white fish, such as halibut or haddock
½ lb (250 g) scallops, heel removed
½ lb (250 g) medium-sized prawns, shelled and deveined
4 tbsp (60 ml) butter
6 tbsp (90 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
¼ tsp (1 ml) each, salt, black pepper and nutmeg
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh dill
3 cups (750 ml) mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- In a large saucepan add water, vermouth, lemon and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer. Add salmon and poach, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until desired doneness. Remove with a slotted spoon to a large bowl and reserve. Repeat with white fish, simmer in hot broth and add to bowl once cooked. Poach scallops for 2 minutes in poaching liquid and remove with slotted spoon to bowl. Repeat with prawns.
- Once all seafood has been poached, strain poaching liquid through a finemeshed sieve set over a bowl and reserve. When salmon and white fish have cooled, remove from bowl and discard skin. Break fish into chunks.
- To prepare sauce, in a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk in until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (500 ml) of reserved poaching liquid until smooth. Increase heat to medium and bring mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Remove pan from heat and whisk vigorously to break up any lumps. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, nutmeg and dill and stir well.
- Gently fold fish, scallops and prawns into sauce and pour into a 12 cup (3 L) baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly using the edge of a spoon to create scallop shapes in the surface (like fish scales) making sure potatoes are level for even browning during baking.
- Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes until top is golden and filling is bubbly.
Drink Pairings
ROASTED VEGETABLE POT PIE
Ingredients
Serves 4
6 cups (1.5 L) mixed root vegetables (carrot, turnip, parsnip, squash, yam), cut into ½-in (1 cm) cubes
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus extra for oiling pan
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil
6 tbsp (90 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth
pinch of grated nutmeg
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 sheet puff pastry
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 tsp (5 ml) cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
- Place vegetables, onion, garlic and thyme in a large bowl and add 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil. Toss to coat and place on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast until almost tender, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- While vegetables are baking, prepare sauce. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add stock and whisk until smooth. Increase heat to medium and simmer, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove pan from heat.
- Oil a 9 x 9-in (23 x 23 cm) square baking pan or other shallow baking dish. Add roasted vegetables to sauce; fold in to combine and pour into pan. Let cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, roll out puff pastry to fit pan allowing 1-in (2 cm) to overhang edge of dish for creating a primped decorative edge. Brush edge of dish with beaten egg and lay pastry over top of filling. Crimp edge to seal. Brush pastry with more beaten egg and slash top of pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place pan on baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until filling is hot and puff pastry is cooked through and golden-brown.
Drink Pairings
BEEF AND MUSHROOM POT PIE
Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, divided, plus extra for oiling dishes
2 lbs (1 kg) stewing beef, cut into 1-in (2 cm) cubes
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices bacon or pancetta, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cups (1 L) mixed mushrooms (portobello,
white button, crimini, shiitake, oyster, trumpet or chanterelles), trimmed and cut to same size
2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
1 cup (250 ml) red wine
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 to 3 medium unpeeled russet potatoes, scrubbed
¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Oil 4 x 2 cup (500 ml) individual casserole dishes or a 12 cup (3 L) baking dish.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil over medium-high heat. Pat beef cubes dry with paper toweling and season with salt and pepper. Brown beef in batches, transferring to a bowl as they are done using a slotted spoon. Add bacon or pancetta to pan and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and add to beef.
- Drain fat from pan and add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté , stirring often, until liquid is evaporated, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and continue to sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in beef stock and red wine until smooth. Add fresh thyme.
- Return beef mixture and any accumulated juices to pan and gently fold in. Divide mixture among prepared casserole dishes. Cover each dish with foil and bake until beef is tender, about 1 hour. Remove dishes from oven and set aside.
- Increase oven temperature to 400 F (200 C).
- To make topping, thinly slice unpeeled potatoes using a very sharp knife. Arrange in a circle over each dish overlapping potatoes, leaving a small opening in the middle to allow steam to escape. Brush with melted butter, season with salt and pepper and bake for 30 minutes, or until filling is bubbling and potato crust is golden.