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1
Heat the oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3.
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2
Toss the lamb with the seasoned flour.
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3
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium casserole, then fry the meat for 10 minutes, until dark golden brown all over.
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4
Transfer to a bowl.
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5
Splash in the ale and bring to a boil, scraping up all of the tasty brown bits from the bottom.
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6
Tip this over the meat then wipe the pan with kitchen paper.
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7
Heat 1 tbsp oil then gently fry the vegetables with the thyme and bay for 10-15 minutes until turning golden here and there.
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8
Return the lamb and juices to the pan, top up with the stock, then season.
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9
Cover the casserole with a lid, leaving just a small gap to one side, then cook in the oven for 21/2 hours.
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10
With 40 minutes to go, make the topping.
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11
Add 1/2 tsp salt to the flour in a large bowl.
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12
Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mix looks like fine crumbs.
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13
Combine the milk, mustard, thyme and half of the egg, then tip into the bowl and bring to a soft dough.
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14
Knead a few times on a floured surface till just smooth, then pat the dough to about 3cm/1in thick and stamp into rounds.
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15
Squash together any trimmings and repeat.
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16
Don't overwork the dough as it will make it tough.
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17
Uncover the meat, stir gently and taste the sauce for seasoning at this point.
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18
Place the cobbler pieces on top, brush them with the remaining egg, then return to the oven until the topping is golden and lamb tender.
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19
Let the cobbler settle for 10 minutes before serving with your favourite seasonal greens.