Ingredients:

• 1 x 1.3kg/3lb lean topside, silverside or sirloin joint
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 3 large sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into smaller sprigs
• 300ml/½pint medium rosé wine
• 4 fresh bay leaves, torn
• 30ml/2tbsp olive oil
• 2 whole unpeeled garlic bulbs, cut in half horizontally
• 2 large red onions, peeled and cut into wedges

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C, 350-375°F.
2. Place the joint on a chopping board and make several slashes over the surface with a sharp knife, taking care not to cut any butcher’s string or meat bands. Season on both sides and push the rosemary sprigs into the slits.
3. Place the beef in a strong, large plastic freezer bag and add the wine, bay leaves, oil and garlic. Seal the bag, place on a large plate and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
4. Remove the garlic and bay leaves from the beef marinade (reserve the marinade) and transfer to a large non-stick roasting tin with the onions. Place the beef on top of the onions, pour over the marinade and open roast for the preferred, calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any rich meat juices. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
5. Transfer the beef to a large warm plate, cover and leave to rest for 20 minutes.
6. Slice the beef and serve with the pan juices, red onions, a new potato salad and corn on the cob.