Quick Gammon and Black Garlic Mushroom Sauce

a) Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). 

b) Finely chop the chives (use scissors if easier).

c) Prick the salad potatoes all over with a knife.

d) Pop the potatoes into a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of cold water. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film, then microwave on high until tender, 8-10 mins.

a) Once the potatoes are cooked, drain away any excess water from the bowl and allow to steam dry, 3-4 mins.

TIP: Alternatively, if you don't have a microwave, you can boil the potatoes. Bring a large saucepan of water with 0.5 tsp salt to the boil on high heat for the potatoes. Halve the salad potatoes (no need to peel). When boiling, add the potatoes to the water, lower the heat to medium and cook until tender, 15-20 mins.

a) While the potatoes are in the microwave, heat a large frying pan on medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Season the gammon with pepper. 

b) Once hot, add the gammon steaks and fry until golden, 2 mins each side. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw pork. The gammon is cooked when no longer dark pink in the middle.

c) Once cooked, set aside on a plate and cover to keep warm. 

a) Return the (now empty) frying pan on high heat with a drizzle of oil.

b) When hot, add the mushrooms to the pan. Season with pepper and fry, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5-6 mins.

c) Once browned, stir in the cider vinegar and cook until evaporated, 1 min.

d) Stir in the creme fraiche and water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer until thickened slightly, 1-2 mins. 

a) Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the black garlic paste. Season with pepper. Add the steaks back in to warm through and coat in the sauce, 1-2 mins.

b) Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. 

c) Once hot, add the peas and stir-fry for 2-3 mins. Add the garlic and fry until fragrant, 1 min, then remove from the heat.

d) Once cooked, halve the potatoes and pop back in the bowl. Stir in the butter (see pantry for amount), remaining garlic and half the chives. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

a) When everything's ready, share the gammon steaks, buttery potatoes and peas between serving plates. 

b) Spoon any remaining mushroom sauce from the pan over the steaks.

c) Sprinkle over the remaining chives to finish.