(serves 4)

1 onion
1 leek
4 cloves of garlic
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
olive oil
2 fresh bay leaves
1/2 a butternut squash or sweet potatoes (600g)
100g chestnut mushrooms
2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes if you have time)
250m1 Chianti or other good red wine
4 chicken thighs
8 black olives (stone in)
Sliced sourdough or bread of your choice

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas 5. Peel the onion and cut into eighths, trim, wash and slice the leek, peel and slice the garlic. Place a large ovenproof casserole pan on a medium heat. Pick and finely chop the rosemary leaves, then place both in the pan with 1 tablespoon of oil and the bay leaves. Stir regularly for 2 minutes, then add the garlic, followed by the onion and leek. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

Meanwhile, chop the squash or sweet potato (wash first) into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on and discarding any squash seeds. I like to cut the stalk and face off the mushrooms because it looks nice – just add the trimmings straight to the pan, along with the whole mushrooms and chopped squash or sweet potato. Add the chicken to the pan. Pour in the wine and let it reduce slightly, then add the tomatoes and break them up with a wooden spoon. Half-fill each tin with water, swirl about, pour into the pan and mix it all together. Destone the olives, then poke them into the stew.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then transfer to the oven to cook for 1 hour, or until thick, delicious and the squash or sweet potato is lovely and tender. Season to perfection, then serve with bread or brown rice.

(adapted from Jamie Oliver)