Great traditional Irish flavours shine through in this satisfying dish
Cook:1 hr and 45 mins – 2 hrs
Serves 4
900g whole piece of rindless, unsmoked back bacon3 tbsp clear honey8 cherry tomatoeschopped parsley, to serve
STEP 1Place the bacon in one tier of a steamer, cover and steam for 45 mins, then allow to cool. Once cooled, slice into 4 thick chops and set aside.STEP 2To make the potato cakes, fry the dark green part of the leek in a little butter, and mix well with the potato, flour, cream and egg yolk, then mould into four small round discs. Set aside until ready to serve.STEP 3To make the sauce, melt half the butter in a pan and add the cabbage and potato. Cook slowly for 5 mins, then pour in the white wine and reduce by half. Add the cream and reduce by half. Season and remove from the heat. Stir the rest of the butter into the sauce and keep warm until ready to serve.STEP 4When ready to serve, heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Lay the bacon on a roasting tray and brush with the honey. Roast for 10-15 mins, until the honey caramelises, brushing the chops with the sticky juices halfway through. Sweat the remaining white part of the leeks and tomatoes in some butter for 3 mins, then season. Fry the potato cakes in the remaining butter for 2 mins on each side. To serve, place a potato cake on each plate with a spoonful of leek and cherry tomatoes. Lay a bacon chop over the top, drizzle the sauce on the plate, scatter over a little chopped parsley and serve.
