800ml(27.1floz)beef stock(made using 2 stock cubes or pots)
a pinch of sugar
30g(1.1oz)salted butter
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the shallots for 10 minutes, until golden and caramelised, stirring occasionally.
Add the port, red wine and herbs, lower to a fast simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until reduced by half.
Pour in the stock and add the sugar. Bring to a boil and then lower to a fast simmer and cook until reduced by half again – this will take around 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain the jus into a small saucepan, discard the herbs and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, then season, to taste, and transfer to a jug for serving.
Notes
Optional variations:
Garlic jus – add crushed garlic for depth.
Beef dripping jus – use pan drippings from roasted meat.
Mushroom jus – add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
This red wine jus recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.