Beer, bacon & barley hotpot

1 Put a large, heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp; use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate and dab with kitchen paper. Return the pan to the heat with the oil, then tip in the soffritto and squash. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes until softened and the squash has started to brown around the edges. Scatter in the caraway seeds and pearl barley then stir-fry for a further 1 minute.

2 Increase the heat, return the bacon to the pan and pour in the beer; let it bubble away and reduce by half, then add the stock. Gently simmer, stirring now and again, for 35-40 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed and the barley is just tender. You may need to add a little water if the stock evaporates too quickly.

3 To serve, stir the crème fraîche and mustard together then dollop on top of the hotpot. Scatter over some chives and a generous grinding of black pepper.