Meat mains
Ham, leek and sprout beanpot
You can make this from scratch or use it to use up your Christmas leftovers. This warming supper will be on the table in no time.
Cook's notes
We've not suggested adding any salt as there's already plenty in the ham hock, but taste and add a little if you like at the end of cooking. This dish is gluten free, just make sure you check the label on your mustard pot!'
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 smaller leeks
- 1 large or 2 small carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- oil for frying, e.g. sunflower or light olive
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 150g Brussels sprouts
- 30g fresh parsley
- 500ml chicken stock
- 150g shredded ham
- 1 tin of cannellini beans
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – add to taste
- salt and pepper
Method
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Step 1
Trim the top and bottom of the leek(s) and cut in half lengthways. Finely shred each half. Wash to remove any grit. Wash and peel the carrot(s). Wash the celery sticks. Finely chop both carrot and celery into approximately 1cm dice.
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Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-based pan. Add the leek, carrot and celery. Fry on a low heat for 10 minutes or so to soften them, stirring now and then to stop them catching. If they do look like catching, add a splash of water and turn the heat lower.
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Step 3
While the veg cooks, peel the outer leaves off the Brussels sprouts. Cut them in half through the stalk base so they hold together, then finely shred each half, discarding the stalk bases. Wash the parsley. After 10 minutes, add the thyme to the veg. Stir for 1 minute.
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Step 4
Add the chicken stock. Season with a little pepper. Bring up to a low boil. Cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse the cannellini beans in a colander until the water runs clear. Roughly chop the parsley leaves.
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Step 5
After 5 minutes, add the ham hock, shredded sprouts and beans to the pan. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes or so to warm the beans through and wilt the shredded sprouts. Stir in mustard to your liking (you needn't use all of it) and the chopped parsley. Check the seasoning before serving.