Leczo.

Polish spelling, I’m not even sure where the name came from, but when I think about this hearty courgette stew, I think of my parents’ allotment and all the good stuff it produced over the years. Like courgettes, which Lisa shares with me this summer- produce from her garden.  They were fabulous just chargrilled as a side of the steaks, they make great courgette fritters, which Izzie and Bess devoured on Wednesday and today I thought- let’s go back down the memory lane. I had a decent idea what it should look and taste like, I thought about calling Mum, but she was on hospital run today, so I got cracking using my experience and all I remembered from years ago.

Some pork shoulder, cubed, seasoned and sprinkled with flour quickly browned, 2 chopped shallots, a big fat clove of garlic in. 2 small sweet peppers, a good pinch of chili flakes. Cherry tomatoes, some green beans. All stewing rather quickly, it’s essential that the pork is lovely and soft, tough meat would ruin the whole dish. Finally, towards the end, cubed courgette. It’s to be cooked, but keep its shape and have a bit of a crunch still. A little of coriander to finish with.

I served with freshly baked ciabatta( no, not totally fresh, Waitrose!). It soaked all the lovely juices up nicely. And also I decided next year I’ll be growing courgettes, there will be a greenhouse too, for the tomatoes and cucumbers. Exciting!