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Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy: A Comforting Classic

Roast beef is a quintessential dish in British cuisine, often associated with Sunday dinners and special occasions. The traditional method, which involves long hours of slow-cooking in the oven, can be time-consuming. However, with the advent of modern kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, enjoying tender, succulent roast beef with rich gravy has never been easier or quicker.

The Instant Pot Advantage

The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more. This all-in-one appliance not only saves time but also locks in flavours and moisture, making it the perfect tool for achieving melt-in-your-mouth roast beef. Cooking in an Instant Pot reduces the preparation time significantly without sacrificing the quality or depth of flavour that a slow-cooked roast is known for.

Ingredients

For a delicious Instant Pot roast beef with gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 kg beef joint (such as chuck, brisket, or silverside)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 500 ml beef stock (preferably homemade or good quality)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornflour (optional, for thickening gravy)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Searing the Beef: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat. Season the beef joint generously with salt and pepper, then place it in the pot. Sear each side for approximately 4-5 minutes until it achieves a deep brown crust. This step is crucial for developing rich flavours.

2. Adding Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. This will infuse the oil with their flavours.

3. Building Flavour: Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary. Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits contain flavour that will enhance your gravy.

4. Pressure Cooking: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the cooking time to 60 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before switching the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.

5. Making the Gravy: Carefully remove the beef from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board to rest. To thicken the gravy, you can either whisk in cornflour mixed with a bit of water or simply reduce the liquid by sautéing it on the ‘Sauté’ function until it thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Serving: Slice the beef against the grain and serve it generously drizzled with the rich gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with classic accompaniments such as Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Instant Pot roast beef and gravy is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and nostalgia to many British households. This recipe showcases how modern cooking techniques can elevate traditional dishes to new heights, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones without compromising on flavour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will undoubtedly become a family favourite in your home. Enjoy!

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