British Pork Cassoulet

Ingredients:

400-450g streaky steaks (strips of pork belly ), rind trimmed
1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
400-450g pack of pork sausages (try Cumberland, garlic or sage-flavoured Lincolnshire varieties)
4 back bacon chops, about 400g/14oz
400g can cannellini, haricot, butter or mixed beans, drained
1 large onion, chopped
4 medium carrots, thickly sliced
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 bouquet garni 'tea bag'
about 600ml chicken stock (from a stock cube is fine)
25g fresh white breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves

Method:

1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Quickly pan-fry the strips of pork belly in the oil, followed by the sausages and back bacon chops, until well browned.
   
2. Mix together the beans, onion, garlic, carrots and tomatoes in a bowl. Starting with a spoonful of the veg, inter-layer the vegetable mix and meats in a deep braising pan (about 3 litres capacity, 7.5cm deep, preferably one that will go on top of the stove – see Gary’s tip, below). Place the bouquet garni in the centre as everything is being stacked.
3. Pour just enough chicken stock on top to almost cover, then bring to a simmer on top of the stove (see Gary’s tip). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top and braise in the oven for about 1hr 20- 1hr 30 mins, until the meats are all tender and the top is golden brown. If the stock reduces while braising, simply pour a little more on top to moisten. Remove from the oven and allow to settle for 5 mins before serving. (Remember to take out the bouquet garni.)