No, we haven’t bottled some buxom blond from SW France. Blonde d’Aquitaine is the finest beef of SW France from muscular animals often weighing 1300 kgs. The meat is lean and tasty. These majestic, blond-coated animals in lush green fields are one of the great sights in the foothills of the Pyrenees close to the home of Robert Gratien. This is the part of France that looks least towards Paris and whose reputation for gastronomy is second to none. Robert and his family based team firstly sear the cuts of meat before adding carrots, small onions (grelots) and lardons and slowly cooking the meal, with added herbs and spices, in a sauce based on the red wine of the area, Madiran. Robert suggests that the dish be served, ladelled over a bowl of fresh egg noodles. However I think herbed mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to this new addition to our range.

Blonde d’Aquitaine Au Madiran - Serves 3 (750g)