Beef + Ale Pie

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb stewing beef, cut into 1-2-inch pieces
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• olive oil or bacon fat
• 1 large purple onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 bottle or can dark ale or stout
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock (plus extra if needed)
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 cup grated extra old white cheddar (optional)
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, lightly beaten