Chunky chips and beef and gravy pie

For the Beef and Gravy Pie:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Coat the Beef:
   • In a bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
3. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add diced onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add Tomato Paste:
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
7. Return Beef to the Pot:
   • Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Cover and Simmer:
   • Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
9. Prepare Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut it to fit the top of your pie dish.
10. Assemble the Pie:
    • Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. Pour the beef and gravy mixture into a pie dish. Place the puff pastry on top, pressing it against the edges. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
11. Bake the Pie:
    • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.

For the Chunky Chips:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss Potatoes with Oil and Seasonings:
   • Toss the chunky potato chips with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) until evenly coated.
3. Bake the Chips:
   • Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chips are golden and crispy, turning them halfway through.
4. Serve:
   • Serve the Beef and Gravy Pie with Chunky Chips on the side.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal! The tender beef and rich gravy paired with golden puff pastry and crispy chunky chips make for a delicious and satisfying dinner.