Beef bourguignon, microwaved

Heat the browning dish — here a casserole dish — in the microwave five minutes on high.

Microwave the bacon lardons two minutes, stirring frequently, then remove them.

Season the cubed beef, microwave three minutes, then remove it.

Microwave the peeled pearl onions two minutes until slightly tender.

Stir four tablespoons of flour into the onions.

Add the beef stock, tomato paste and red wine and stir until the flour is smooth.

Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper and bay leaves.

Add the thyme.

Return the bacon and beef, add the mushrooms and cover.

Microwave forty minutes, stirring occasionally — run as thirty minutes plus ten.

Scatter chopped parsley over before serving.