Step 2

Prepare the onion gravy; heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook over a moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Gradually stir in the ale, stock, Worcestershire or brown sauce, seasoning and dried mixed herbs. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, gas mark

Step 6

To make the faggots; in a large bowl mix together the faggot ingredients and shape into 12 golf-size balls.

Step 7

Transfer to a 1.2L rectangular dish or roasting tin and carefully pour over the gravy. Cover with foil and cook in a preheated oven for 1½-2 hours. 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the foil and return to the oven.

Step 8

Serve with a creamy combination of mashed potatoes and spring onions.