Roast sirloin of beef with chestnut & chive butter

A fantastic Sunday roast dish, this roast beef with chestnut and chive butter is perfect served with caramelised parsnips and leeks

Serves: 6-8
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time:
Rare: 20 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 20 minutes
Medium: 25 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 25 minutes
Well done: 30 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 30 minutes

What you need:

• 1.3kg-1.8kg/3-4lb lean sirloin, fore rib or topside joint
• 75g/3oz unsalted butter, softened
• 75g/3oz canned unsweetened chestnut purée
• Grated zest of 2 oranges
• 5ml/1tsp ground cinnamon
• 30ml/2tbsp freshly chopped chives
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 900g/2lb leeks, topped, tailed and cut in half lengthways
• 900g/2lb medium parsnips, peeled and cut in half lengthways
• 60ml/4tbsp sherry vinegar

For the red wine gravy:

• 25g/1oz plain or sauce flour
• 450ml/¾pint good, hot beef stock
• 300ml/½pint full bodied red wine

What you do:

1. Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.
2. Prepare the chestnut and chive butter; in a small bowl mix together the butter, chestnut purée, orange zest, cinnamon and chives.
3. Place the joint on a chopping board, score the skin, season on both sides and spread generously with the chestnut butter. Place any remaining butter in cling film, mould into a sausage shape and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Transfer the joint to a metal rack in a large non-stick roasting tin and open roast for the preferred, calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any meat juices. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
5. 45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the joint and rack from the tin, add the parsnips and leeks to the tin with the sherry vinegar and gently shake.  Place the joint directly on top of the vegetables, and return to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time.
6. Remove the joint from the tin with the vegetables and transfer to a warmed platter.  Cover and set aside to rest for 15-20 minutes.
7. Prepare the gravy; spoon off any excess fat from the roasting tin and discard.  Place the tin over a medium heat and sprinkle over the flour.  Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, add a little stock and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any rich, beefy sediment.
8. Add the remaining stock, wine and any meat juices from the platter, adjust the seasoning, if required and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until reduced to a well-flavoured gravy.  Strain before serving.
9. Serve with potatoes, caramelised vegetables and the gravy.

Skandi Candle

Pure soy wax candles in Flack Fig & Vetiver or Lemon fragrances - perfect for any dinner party or romantic night in.

Buy now on Etsy