Minted Jersey Royals Food

PORK CHOPS WITH BROAD BEAN & MINTED JERSEY SMASH

Steps:

• Take the pork chops out of the fridge 1 hr before cooking. Put the potatoes in a pan and cover with cold water and 2 tsp of salt. Throw in the mint, cover and cook for 12-15 mins until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Cook the beans in the same water for 4-8 mins, depending on size, then drain and rinse under cold water and peel. Crush half with the potatoes, season and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Pat the chops dry with a kitchen towel and season with sea salt on both sides, then place in the pan and do not move until they are caramelised and come away from the pan - around 3-4 mins. Turn the chops, then add the garlic and lemon, cut-side down. Cook for another 2-3 mins.
• Remove the lemon and set aside. Add the butter to the pan, shaking to distribute it, then toss in the thyme. Baste the chops continuously with the butter, garlic and thyme for a couple of mins more, turning to coat both sides. Remove from the pan to rest.
• Add the spring onions and chilli flakes and cook for 5-8 mins until tender. Tip in the potato mix, tossing with the spring onions, and cook for a few mins, allowing crusty bits to form on the Jerseys. Turn off the heat, toss in the herbs, then divide between plates and top with the remaining beans. Serve with the chops, and squeeze over the caramelised lemon.

ASPARAGUS WITH PEAS, MINT & JERSEY ROYALS IN WILD GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 8-10 mins or until tender. Drain.
• Toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan until golden. Set aside.
• Mix together the butter, wild garlic leaves and mint (you can blitz in a food processor, if you like). Set aside.
• Cover the peas with boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and immediately plunge into cold water.
• Heat the olive oil in a large lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Add the asparagus spears and a good pinch of sea salt and shake to coat in the oil. Put the lid on and cook the asparagus over a low to medium heat, shaking the pan to move the spears around, about 4 mins. Remove the spears from the pan and immediately plunge into iced water.
• Melt the garlic butter in the pan and squeeze in the juice of the lemon. Stir the potatoes, asparagus and peas into the butter untiul warm. Tip everything onto a serving dish and grate over some lemon zest. Top with the toasted almonds.