This is a good basic way to make a simple jus. Flavour as wished.

Ingredients

• 4 beef steaks, fillet, scotch or sirloin
• 2 small shallots, peeled and finely diced
• 1 rasher bacon, finely diced
• 1-2 tsp tomato paste (or use sauce)
• ¾ cup beef stock

Method

1. Season the beef steaks well with salt, pepper and oil. Heat a pan until very hot and add the steaks and cook for about 4 minutes each side. Remove from the pan, cover and keep warm.
2. Add the shallots and bacon to the pan and cook over a moderate heat for 3-4 minutes stirring regularly until the shallots and bacon are tender and lightly coloured. Add the tomato paste and cook a further few moments before adding in the beef stock. Lower the heat and simmer until reduced by 2/3rds. Season as wished.

Cooks Tips

I like to add a touch of quince paste to this recipe. If you do not have shallots, use about 1 tblsp finely chopped onion.