Pork With Sweet Leeks

Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 180°C (fan)/ 400°F/ Gas 6

Add 2-4 tbsp olive oil and half the thyme to an oven tray

Put in the oven for 5 min or until warmed through

Meanwhile, slice the potatoes into discs (approx 1/2cm thick)

Add the potatoes to the warmed tray, taking care of spitting oil

Coat the potatoes in the oil, season generously with salt and pepper and return to the oven for 30 min or until golden brown

Meanwhile, peel and slice the onion(s) finely 

Strip the remaining thyme leaves from their stalks 

Add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil to a large pan on a medium heat

Once the oil is hot, add the onion and coat well

Cook for 10 min or until starting to brown and caramelise

Tip: Long and slow is best for optimum sweetness, so be patient and stir occasionally

Meanwhile, cut the leeks in half lengthways and wash carefully to remove any grit from between the leaves

Slice the halves finely

Peel and chop (or grate) the garlic finely

Once the onion is done, push aside to make room for the pork 

Add the pork and cook for 3-5 min each side, or until cooked through

Once cooked, transfer the meat and onion to a plate and cover, reserving the pan

Tip: Families may need two pans for this step

Return the pan to a medium heat add the leek and garlic to the pan, scraping any residue from the bottom

Add 50ml (100ml) milk, 20g (40g) butter and the remaining thyme leaves and mix well

Cook for 2-4 min or until the leek softens, adding any resting juice from the pork and season to your taste with salt and pepper