NATIONAL TREASURES

It is said that St David, the patron saint of Wales, would fast on leeks and water. This gave rise to the tradition of wearing a leek on St David’s Day, celebrated on 1 March. Leeks are a popular ingredient in soups and can be enjoyed braised as a side dish. To make 4 servings: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Place 8 trimmed clean leeks in the pan with a pinch of salt and cook until browned all over. Add 300ml cider and 2 rosemary sprigs, and bring to the boil. Once boiling, season with salt and pepper. Transfer the leeks to a baking dish and pour the liquid over the top. Place in an oven preheated to 190°C/gas mark 5 and bake for 30 mins until the leeks are tender, basting from time to time. Remove from the oven and let stand briefly before serving.