- 1.5kg/3lb 5oz beef brisket joint
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 350ml/12fl oz Irish stout
- knob of butter
- 4 leeks, white parts only, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves
- few sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only, or ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 x 400g/14oz tins cannellini beans
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Season the brisket joint generously with with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle the sliced onions and bay leaves over the bottom of the slow cooker, top with the brisket and pour over the stout.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- For the cannellini bean mash, heat the butter in a frying pan and cook the leeks over a very gentle heat for 20 minutes, or until completely softened.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme leaves and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Blend the beans, leek mixture, crème fraîche and parsley to a purée in a food processor or blender.
- Return the mash to the frying pan and warm through. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To serve, spoon the mash onto serving plates. Carve the brisket into slices and place alongside. Spoon over a little of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.