Pork in Beer with Thyme and Shallots

This dish tastes rich and special, thanks to the addition of the beer. Leffe Blonde from Belgium is a dry, fruity, slightly spiced beer that blends particularly well with robust flavours.

Preparation time :	20 minutes
Cooking time :	50 minutes to 1 hour
Total time :	1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1kg Waitrose British Diced Leg of Pork
2 tbsp plain flour
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp olive oil
Knob of butter
200g shallots, peeled
33cl bottle Leffe Blonde Bier
300ml vegetable stock, fresh or from cubes
2 tsp light brown muscovado sugar
250g pack Waitrose Crimini Button Mushrooms, washed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Tip the pork into a large bowl and sprinkle with the flour and thyme. Toss the pork in the flour and thyme leaves until it is evenly coated.
2. Heat the oil and butter in a flameproof casserole or large pan. Add the shallots, cover and cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and colour a little. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon.
3. Add the pork to the pan over a fairly high heat and fry until the meat is sealed and starting to brown. Return the shallots to the pan, then stir in the beer, stock and sugar. Season generously, then bring to the boil, stirring well.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 40-50 minutes until the pork is tender. Taste and add the mushrooms and more seasoning if necessary, then cover and simmer for a further 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with mashed potatoes.
5. Please note: Ensure the pork is cooked thoroughly, the juices run clear when pierced with a knife and there is no pink meat. Wash work surfaces, utensils and hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.

Cook's tips

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months - freeze before adding the parsley. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.