CREAMY LEEK RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil over a high heat in a large non-stick frying pan. Season the chicken thighs and fry, skin-side down, for 5 mins until golden and crisp. Transfer, skin-side up, to a large baking tray. (If you’re doubling up this recipe, fry in batches and divide between two baking trays.)
• Fry the leeks in the pan for 5 mins or until just softened. Add the garlic and fry for 1 min more. Stir in the beans, then spoon into the tray, or trays, around the chicken. Pour the stock over the beans and season to taste. Roast for 20 mins, then remove from the oven and stir the mustard and crème fraîche through the beans. Roast for 10-15 mins more, or until the chicken is cooked through. To freeze, leave to cool completely and transfer to large freezerproof bags.
• Scatter the lemon zest over the chicken and serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Steps:

• 1. Brush the mushrooms clean, then finely slice.
  2. Peel and finely slice the onion, celery and garlic, then pick the parsley, finely chopping the stalks. Pick the thyme leaves.
  3. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the onion, celery, garlic, parsley stalks, thyme leaves and mushrooms, pop the lid on and cook gently until softened.
  4. Spoon out 4 tablespoons of mushrooms, and keep for later.
  5. Pour the stock into the pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, then whiz with a stick blender until smooth.
  7. Pour in the cream, bring just back to the boil, then turn off the heat.
  8. Toast the ciabatta on a hot griddle pan, then top with most of the reserved mushrooms and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
  9. Spoon the soup into bowls, garnish with the chopped parsley and remaining mushrooms, and serve with the ciabatta crostini on the side.