Beef, black-eyed bean and plantain hotpot

Method

1. Cook the dried beans in a large pan of boiling water for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large casserole dish and brown the beef on all sides over a medium heat. Remove and set aside.

3. Heat 100ml/3½fl oz oil in the same pan and fry the onions for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the garlic, ginger and dried chilli flakes and stir. Add the tinned tomatoes, tomato purée, stock cubes, thyme and Scotch bonnet chillies and season with salt and pepper. Cook the tomatoes for 10 minutes before adding the beef and beans and cooking on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. While the stew cooks, heat the remaining oil in a deep frying pan and shallow fry the plantain slices in batches for 2–3 on each side until golden-brown. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain. Top the stew with the plantains before serving.