Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: At least 3-4 hours
Cost: Reasonable
Difficulty: Very easy

A perfect dish for a cold winter's day, this classic is easy to prepare and can wait on the stove until your guests are ready to eat. What's more, you can make it a day ahead: it is even better reheated!

I like to get a nice piece of marbled beef from the butcher (almost impossible to find in large supermarkets): it may cost a bit more, but it will be meltingly delicious.

1. Cut the meat into cubes or slices; chop all the vegetables into fairly large pieces;
2. pour the oil into a large casserole; line the bottom with a strip of fat; place a layer of carrots on top; add a layer of meat; season with salt and pepper;
3. add half of the other chopped vegetables (onions, mushrooms, shallots); then a layer of meat; add another layer of vegetables and a final layer of meat;
4. season with salt and pepper; lay the second strip of pork fat on top; pour the red wine and cognac over top and let simmer for several hours over low heat.