Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 170C/325F.

Step 2

Heat 1 1/2 tbsp of the oil in a large casserole dish, over a high heat, until hot.

Step 3

Add the pork, salt, pepper and celery salt and brown on all sides - it should take around 6-8 minutes.

Step 4

Turn the heat down to medium and add in the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens.

Step 5

Add the mushrooms and cook for a further two minutes.

Step 6

Add the carrots, cider, stock and dried thyme. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil. Stir and scrape up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7

Place a lid on the pan, and place in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours*, until the pork flakes apart when you press it with a fork. Check a couple of times during the last hour of cooking and add a splash of water or stock if it's starting to look a little dry.

Step 8

Just before the casserole comes out of the oven, heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon lardons until crispy. Turn off the heat.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken, if needed.

Step 10

Stir in the cream. Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle on the bacon lardons.

Step 11

Serve with green veg on top of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle on a little chopped parsley before serving.