1 tbsp sunflower oil8 Ty Siriol pork sausages, each cut into 4 chunks 100g lean streaky bacon, cut into cubes 20g unsalted butter200g of shallots400ml dry cider450g waxy potatoes, peeled and sliced (1cm thick)2 cox's apples, cored and cut into slices4 sprigs thyme1 bay leafSea Salt and Black pepper1 tsp caster sugarDollop of grain mustard (optional)35ml double cream (optional)Chopped parsley, to serve (optional)
Heat the sunflower oil in a large saucepan, and brown the sausage chunks all over on a high heat. This stage is crucial as it’s really important that they get a good colour. Take the sausages out of the pan and set aside.
Melt half the butter in the pan. Add the bacon to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Turn the heat down low, add the shallots and cook for around 10 minutes until they have a nice colour to them. Now add the potatoes, half of the apple slices, the browned sausage chunks, the cider, the bay leaf and the thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil, then immediately turn down the heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and cook for another 15 minutes. The dish is ready when the potatoes are completely tender.
While the stew is cooking, melt the rest of the butter in a frying pan and sauté the remaining apple slices on both sides, until they are golden. Sprinkle with a little caster sugar to help them caramelise a bit.
Add the mustard and double cream (if using) to the stew and warm through. Add the caramelised apple slices and scatter the bacon on top. Check the seasoning.
Before serving, scatter with chopped parsley.