Which beer to cook with?

[DirtyRaver]

Now the weather has turned I think it's time for me to get out the slow cooker and make some casseroles, normally I'd make it with water/stock but it was suggested I try using some real ale instead.

So, any suggestions which one to use which gives a nice flavour, or will they pretty much be the same after a few hours on the cooker? Something I could pick up at Tesco etc. would be ideal.


Cheers!

 

[HeadlessChicken]

Guinness / Murphy's is the classic (actually cooking a beef & Guinness stew as I type).

You could use any decent ale tho. I would stay away from the hoppier ales tho, as you will probably be left with a little too much bitterness.

 

[Jonny69]

I think Kent Ale has made some nice stews. I normally go with 1/2 kilo meat, two carrots, two medium onions, small handful of pearl barley, 500ml beer, one Oxo stock cube. Thicken and season once cooked

 

[Glaucus]

Any bitter or darker is good. More flavour the better.
Que us all stating are local brewer choice.

Bath dark side or gem for a lighter stew.

Just don't forget the dumplings, god I love dumplings and non of this light fluffy rubbish. Artery clogging, stick to your ribs on the way down ones.

 

[randomshenans]

Newcastle Brown is my favourite after trying a varied selection out.

 

[HeadlessChicken]

And of course, if you want the fool proof way to enhance *any* stew:

Cook it the day before. Sit in fridge over night, reheat. Will enhance the flavour of any type of stew

 

[Mrs Seabiscuit]

We use Guinness its a classic also I have put a small amount of our home brew Burton bridge in.

 

[Johnz0r]

Home made hobgoblin steak and ale pie is to die for!

 

[Mrs Seabiscuit]

mmm hobgoblin ill have to try that myself

 

[a1ex2001]

Guiness (Origional not the foamy stuff) is a classic for the simple reason that it works really well.

I've also made some really nice Steak and Ale Pies using a variety of beers my favourite was made with Spitfire.

 

[Gribs]

Theakston Old Perculiar works wells but the really any ale that you like will be ok.

 

[boxman2000]

Strong tasting ales I'd say - Pedegree, Old Thumper work fine.

I wouldn't recommend using Spitfire for cooking. Far better to drink it!

 

[a1ex2001]

I wouldn't recommend using Spitfire for cooking. Far better to drink it!

I have a bit of a theory, I won't cook with any wine or beer that I wouldn't drink, not sure if I'm just being a snob or not!

Steak and Spitfire pie served with chips and a bottle of Spitfire is heaven!

 

[HeadlessChicken]

Yup, I agree. I never buy crappier beer / wine to cook with. If I don't want to drink it, I don't want to eat it either.

 

[Jonny69]

But cheap French lager works amazingly in a chilli con carne

 

[Ahleckz]

But cheap French lager works amazingly in a chilli con carne

I've been known to add a dram of a peaty whisky to my chilli. Works very well.

 

[a1ex2001]

But cheap French lager works amazingly in a chilli con carne

Your assuming I don't drink cheap french larger

Being slightly more serious never heard of putting larger in a Chilli I've always used red wine do you just do a straight swap? Got a recipe?