Beef cheeks with dates and stout

Beef cheeks with dates and stout. Photo / Babiche Martens

Serves 4

4 beef cheeks
8 fresh dates, stones removed
8 shallots
1 Tbs butter
1 Tbs brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves
3 tsp capers
1L beef stock
2 cups (500ml) stout
2 Tbs good quality balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped plus extra to garnish

1 If using a slow cooker set it to low or preheat the oven to 150C. Trim the beef so there is not too much fat visible although a little is needed for flavour, then put into the dish with the chopped dates.

2 Peel the shallots, keep whole and add with the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook for 9 hours in the slow cooker or 6 in the oven. Garnish with parsley before serving with mash or rice.