Govjadina Tblisi i Griby (Tblisi Beef and Mushrooms)

Ingredients:

For the Spice Blend:
1 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
1 tsp freshly-ground white pepper
1 tsp red chilli flakes
4 tsp salt
4 tsp black peppercorns
3 tsp mustard powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp ground allspice

Main Ingredients:
1.125kg beef (or veal) steak, about 2cm thick
1.5kg flat noodles
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2l beef stock
1.1kg onions, chopped
60g plain flour, sifted
300g mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
950ml sour cream (or 950ml plain yoghurt)

Method:

Combine the spices in a bowl and set aside. Meanwhile, lay the meat on a cutting board and slice into 2cm chunks. Lay these chunks flat on the board then sprinkle with the spice mix.

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions (about 10 minutes) then take off the heat and set aside (leave to sit in the cooking water). Now take a large heavy-bottomed pan and place on high heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1 tbsp of oil and then stir in the onions. Fry until the onions are just turning translucent (about 4 minutes) then add the meat and any remaining spice mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes then add the beef stock. Scrape the pan base to dislodge any crusty pieces then cook for 6 minutes more before reducing the heat to medium-low and whisking in the sifted flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes then add the mushrooms and cook for a fruther 3 minutes.

Finally whisk in the sour cream and cook for 3 more minutes. Drain the noodles at this point then divide between 8 serving plates and spoon over the meat mixture. Serve immediately.