Ingredients
- 1 x 1½ kg loin of bacon
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. peppercorns
- A dash of vinegar
- 1 tsp. mustard
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbs butter
- 1 savoy or sweetheart cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 dessert apple, peeled, cored and diced
- 100ml cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic Glaze
- 2 tbs balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbs honey
- 2 tbs wholegrain mustard
- 2 tbs fresh rosemary or sage leaves, chopped
Champ
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 8 tbs milk
- 2 tbs butter
- 10-12 freshly cooked floury potatoes, cut into even-sized chunks
Our recognisable, national dish. It’s important to get the best quality bacon you can get. Look out for a piece with a good amount of fat on it.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Bacon
Place the bacon in a large saucepan along with the bay leaf, peppercorns, vinegar, mustard and onion and cover with cold water. Put a lid on the saucepan and bring to the boil.
Step 2
Reduce the heat and gently simmer for about an hour. Allow 20 minutes per ½ kg.
Step 3
While the bacon is cooking make the glaze. In a small bowl mix together the balsamic vinegar, honey, wholegrain mustard and rosemary or sage.
Step 4
When the bacon is cooked preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180°C (350°F).
Step 5
Remove the bacon from the water and place in a baking dish lined with foil. Allow to cool a little.
Step 6
Remove the rind and discard. Brush the bacon liberally with the glaze. Keep aside a tablespoon of the glaze to flavour the cabbage.
Step 7
Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Cabbage
To cook the cabbage, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
Step 9
Add the cabbage and apple and cook for about ten minutes stirring occasionally.
Step 10
Stir the cream and reserved glaze through the cabbage. Simmer uncovered until the cream has thickened. This will take 5-6 minutes. Taste and season.
Step 11: Champ
To make champ, melt the butter in a small saucepan and gently sauté the scallions until softened.
Step 12
Pour in the milk and butter and bring to a simmer.
Step 13
Mash the potatoes and then using a wooden spoon, beat in the milk mixture until you have achieved smooth, creamy mash. Taste and season.
Step 14
To serve – slice the bacon and serve with the creamy cabbage and champ.