Beef ‘spezzatino’ (stew) with parmesan polenta

Place the flour in a medium-sized bowl. Season gravy beef with salt and pepper, then dust in flour, shaking off any excess.

Heat half of the olive oil in a large heavy-based stockpot (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Cook the gravy beef (boneless shin) until nicely browned all over. Remove from stockpot and set aside.

Heat the remaining olive oil in the stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is tender (about 5 minutes). Add the tomato paste, rosemary, sage and bay leaves. Return the gravy beef to pan, add the wine and simmer until reduced by about half (about 5 minutes). Pour in the beef stock, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for a further 1½ – 2 hours or until the gravy beef is tender. Check the amount of liquid in the pot from time to time and add more water if required. Discard the bay leaves.

Meanwhile to make the parmesan polenta, bring 1 litre of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the instant polenta to the boiling water and cook – referring to the cooking time specified in the packet instructions. Once thickened, remove the polenta from the heat and use a wooden spoon to stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano and butter.

Serve the beef ‘spezzatino’ (stew) with reduced braising liquid spooned over the parmesan polenta – buon appetito.