Cawl

Cawl is traditionally a hearty dish made of the meat and vegetables available on the day. There are many recipes often handed down through the family, which vary from town to town throughout Wales. It is served in some areas in a wooden bowl and eaten with a wooden spoon with chunks of homemade bread and Welsh cheese.

20 Minutes prep, 3 Hours cook

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 kg middle neck or shoulder Welsh lamb, Welsh beef or ham hock

1 onion, roughly chopped

6 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 small swede or 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped

2 leeks, washed and sliced

1 small bunch fresh parsley

vegetable stock

salt and pepper

Method

Place the meat in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 2-3 hours over a low heat. Leave overnight to cool and the following day skim off any fat that has risen to the surface.

Cut the meat off the bone and return to the stock then add the potatoes, carrots, swede or parsnips and simmer until cooked. Add more vegetable stock if required at this point. Season with salt and pepper.

Finally add the shredded leeks and just before serving throw in the roughly chopped parsley. You can thicken the cawl if required with a paste made with flour and water or fine oatmeal.