Eat Seasonal – February: Leek and Potato Bake

Want to know what foods are in season this February? Choose seasonal produce to make great tasting dishes like leek and potato bake. Read on to find the recipe and a list of food that is in season this month as well as some other seasonal recipes to try. 

February, a month that brings the promise of Spring. Snowdrops and primulas start to emerge from the ground adding a splash of colour to the greyness. Whilst still cold the weather is on the turn and the promise of longer days looms. Nights are starting to get shorter and it is not so dark when coming home. It is time to start thinking of warm days ahead and getting ready for the summer.

What foods are in season in February?

Comfort food is still very much on the menu and warming winter vegetables are still found in abundance. Squash, sprouts and turnips are a great choice and leeks are the star of the season. The mild onion taste will add flavour to any dish. Try them in a warming leek and potato soup or try  making a leek pudding to go with a Sunday roast. Use apples and pears to make delicious baked desserts or oranges to add a touch of sweetness. Lamb is staring to come into its own or try venison in a hearty stew. There is an abundance of seafood  including skate, salmon and cod. Fish stew is always a tasty meal.  Mussel season is coming to an end so take the chance to enjoy these.  Rhubarb will start appearing at the end of the month allowing you to enjoy rhubarb crumble or rhubarb fool. Find a list of seasonable food for January below or you can grab the printable to stick on your fridge.

We are not quite into the Spring or Summer with their glut of fresh vegetables. February has plenty of fresh seasonal food that will keep you cooking hearty warming meals though the month. The seasonal food will be more tasty and cheaper as well.

Leek and Potato Bake

Leek and potato bake makes good use of the seasonal vegetables found this month. Both potatoes and leeks are in season.  When put together in a cheese sauce and baked in the oven you get the perfect one pot meal for a cold night. The ingredients can be prepared ahead of time and put in the dish. It then just needs to be put in the oven and left to cook whenever you are ready. The preparation does take a little while. Peel and chop the potatoes into thin slices. Cook the leeks in some butter until they are soft. Layer the potatoes and leeks in a pan with lashing of cheese and a sprinkle of ham.  Finally pour on some cream and chicken stock and put the dish into the oven.

Whilst the dish cooks a type of alchemy occurs, the potatoes soften and soak up the cheese. The leeks mix though the dish adding a little crunch and hint of flavour. The bits of ham create extra interest, peeking out unexpectedly from under the potatoes. All the while a tantalising smell fills the house making you ready to eat as soon as it is done. The dish is simple so it does not need any sides. If you wish you can serve a green salad or some green vegetables along with it but they are not necessary. The leek and potato bake is sufficient by itself to fill you up and make you feel you have come home.

How to make leek and potato bake (recipe)

Leek and potato bake

Alison

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Ingredients

  

• 30 g butter
• 2 leeks
• 6 potatoes
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 250 g cheese grated
• 250 ml double cream
• 250 ml chicken stock
• 100 g ham chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180C Gas Mark 4
• Thinly slice the leeks and rinse with water
• Heat the butter in a pan and add the leeks. Cook for around three minutes until translucent
• Peel and chop the potatoes into thin slices
• Grease a casserole dish
• Arrange a third of the potatoes in the dish.
• Top with a sprinkle of salt and nutmeg, half of the leeks and ham and a third of the cheese.
• Add another layer of potatoes and then more salt, nutmegs leeks, ham and cheese.
• Top with the rest of the potatoes and sprinkle on the rest of the cheese
• Cover with silver foil and bake for thirty minutes.
• Increase the oven temperature to 220C Gas Mark 7
• Remove the silver foil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 45 mins

Why not pin the recipe to try later?

Do you have a perfect one pot warming meal? Let me know below.

 Other seasonal recipes for February

February is a cold month so there are a couple of warming soup recipes. You will also find a number of recipes for cakes and bakes as this month includes Valentines day.

Potato Soup

This warming potato soup with bacon and cheese is the perfect soup for a hearty lunch on a cold day. Serve with some warm crusty bread for a real treat.

Leek and potato soup

Leeks are one of the stars of the season and this classic leek and potato soup is perfect. Creamy potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to mild onion taste of the leeks.

Home-made fish cakes

Haddock is in season right now and these home-made fish cakes make a perfect supper. Serve with salad and a portion of chips.

Rhubarb Chutney

Make the most of rhubarb while it is in season. Forced rhubarb is available from late December to early March so you can find it now. This rhubarb chutney is perfect with some cheese or as an accompaniment to roast pork.

Rhubarb Fool

For a lovely sweet pudding and a real treat this rhubarb fool is delicious. It is really easy to make as well so why not whip some up and impress your loved one?

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Cold days call for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. What could be nicer than a classic lemon drizzle cake? The citrus taste and soft sponge make a perfect tea time treat.

Lemon and sultana biscuits

These lemon and sultana biscuits are another easy to make tea time treat. The subtle lemon flavour works really well with the sweet sultanas in a biscuit you won’t be able to stop eating.

Banana Muffins

Muffins with banana – they have got to be good for you. These are ideal for a breakfast treat or for packing in your lunch box for a sweet treat at work.

Hummingbird cupcakes

These humingbird cupcakes will make you feel as if Spring is on the way. The sweet taste of pineapple and banana will lift your spirits on a cold day.

Do you have any seasonal recipes you make in February? Let me know below.