Pasta with Ham Broth, Leek, Late Summer Courgettes and Tomato Toasts

Cooking with Paula McIntyre

250g bite size pasta like macaroni, orzo 1 ham hock or 250g ham trimmings ( ask your butcher) 2 onions, coarsely chopped 1 stick celery, chopped 2 tablespoons oil 1 medium, leek, split washed and chopped 1 large courgette Bunch basil Bunch parsley 50g finely grated parmesan

Pour boiling water over the ham hock or ham trimmings and place in a pot. Add the onion and celery and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 2 hours for the hock ( less for the trimmings) or until fork tender. Remove ham from liquor and allow to rest for 10 minutes then shred the meat. Blend the cooking liquor. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the leeks and courgettes for 5 minutes. Add half the stock ( freeze the rest) and bring to a simmer. Cook the pasta, drain and add to the pan with the herbs and ham meat. Check seasoning. Remove the stalks from the basil and set aside. Chop the basil leaves and parsley and add to pan with half the parmesan and mix well. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle over the remaining parmesan.

Tomato toasts 8 slices sourdough 8 medium local tomatoes Basil stalks from above 2 tablespoons olive oil or good local rapeseed oil

Cut the tomatoes in quarters and place in a baking dish. Finely chop the basil and sprinkle over with the oil and season with salt. Bake in a 180oc oven for 15 minutes. Grill the bread and spread the tomato on top. Serve with the pasta.