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Creamy squash, leek and pancetta pots recipe

Creamy squash, leek and pancetta pots recipe

5 ratings

These delicious butternut squash, leek and pancetta pots are the perfect midweek meal. Made with mature Cheddar, a pinch of mustard powder and a sprinkling of thyme, they are packed with flavour – what's more, you can be tucking into this hearty dinner in just over half an hour. See method

  • Serves 4
  • 5 mins to prepare and 25-30 mins to cook
  • 490 calories / serving
  • Freezable

Ingredients

  • ½ butternut squash, diced
  • 2 tsp light olive oil
  • 130g pack pancetta
  • 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced
  • 5-6 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs

For the sauce

  • 40g butter
  • 40g plain flour
  • 200ml vegetable stock
  • 300ml milk
  • ½ tsp English mustard powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
  • 75g Cheddar, grated
If you don't have any butternut squash, try sweet potato

Each serving contains

  • Energy

    2050kj
    490kcal
    25%
  • Fat

    31g 44%
  • Saturates

    14g 71%
  • Sugars

    11g 12%
  • Salt

    1.1g 18%

of the reference intake
Carbohydrate 37.7g Protein 18.5g Fibre 1g

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Put the squash in a roasting tin. Drizzle with 1 tsp oil, then roast for 15-20 mins, until tender. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan. Add the pancetta and fry until crisp; transfer to a plate. Add the leeks to the pan; fry for 10 mins.
  2. For the sauce, combine the butter, flour, stock and milk in a pan over a low heat. Increase the heat and stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard powder, thyme and all but 1 tbsp of the cheese.
  3. Tip the pancetta, leeks and squash into the sauce and stir to combine. Divide between 4 ramekins. Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs. Scatter over the tops of each ramekin. Bake for 10 mins, or until bubbling and golden.

Tip: If you have any pork or chicken left over from the Sunday roast, use it in place of the pancetta.

Freezing and defrosting guidelines

Once the pots have cooled completely, top the ramekins with a layer of clingfilm and tin foil (to prevent freezer burn) and freeze for up to 1-3 months. To serve, defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating. Loosely cover with foil and bake until dish is thoroughly heated through. Reheat until piping hot.

See more Easy weeknight recipes

For top tips on protecting you and your family when preparing raw meat and poultry, visit Food Safety in the Home.

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