Roast Hereford Topside with Fennel

A tasty topside roasting joint with a delicious crust made with crushed fennel seeds, garlic cloves, dried chilli flakes and olive oil. Perfect for all festive occasions or just for a treat!

Serves: 6

Total time (prep and cooking): 1 hour 30 minutes (for 3lb lean topside joint)

Ingredients

  • 1 x 900g/2lb lean topside joint
  • Salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 15-30ml/1-2tbsp fennel seeds, crushed
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
  • 10ml/2tsp dried chilli flakes
  • 30ml/2tbsp olive oil
  • Rosé Wine Gravy:
  • 15ml/1tbsp plain or sauce flour
  • 300ml/½pint good, hot beef stock
  • 300ml/½pint rosé wine

Method

  • Preheat the oven to gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.
  • Place the joint on a chopping board and make several slashes over the surface of the joint, taking care not to cut the butcher’s string or elasticated meat bands (if present).  Season.
  • In a small bowl mix together the fennel seeds, garlic, chilli flakes and olive oil.  Spread the mixture over the surface of the joint.
  • Place the joint on a metal rack in a large roasting tin and open roast for the preferred calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any meat juices.
  • Remove the joint from the oven, cover and leave to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the gravy, spoon off any excess oil from the tin, leaving about 30ml/2tbsp of any meat juices.  Place the roasting tin over medium heat and sprinkle over the flour.  Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, gradually add the stock and wine, and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any sediment.
  • Add any meat juices from the platter, adjust the seasoning, if required and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until reduced to a well-flavoured gravy.  Strain the gravy before serving.
  • Serve the joint with seasonal vegetables.