Roast Rib of Beef with Caramelised Shallots

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 x 1.8kg/4lb lean rib of beef, French-trimmed and chinned, boneless rib, or topside joint
15-30ml/1-2tbsp olive oil
Grated zest of 2 lemons or limes
4 large sprigs fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
24 shallots, peeled and left whole
300ml/½pint full bodied red wine, Port or sweet sherry
150ml/¼ pint good, hot beef stock, homemade if preferred
15ml/1tbsp plain flour
150ml/¼ pint good, hot beef stock, homemade if preferred
For the Cheesy Yorkshire Puddings:
175g/6oz strong white plain flour
Pinch salt
2 large eggs, beaten
5ml/1tsp fresh thyme leaves
300-400ml/10-14floz milk
50g/2oz mature Cheddar cheese, or similar
30ml/2tbsp sunflower oil or beef dripping