River Cottage

Hugh shows us how to make the humble vegetable a huge amount tastier on River Cottage Veg

Serves 4 (as a side dish)

• 75g butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
• 500g vegetables of your choice, e.g. broccoli, spinach, green beans, courgettes, kale, leeks

1. Gently melt the butter in a small frying pan. When melted add the garlic and just cook for a minute.

2. Cook your chosen vegetables as you wish, broccoli, beans and spinach are good steamed and served with a spoon of garlic butter poured over the top.

Cook's tip: Courgettes are delicious lightly fried in a little rapeseed oil until lightly golden and served with a spoon of the garlic butter. Leeks and kale are great together. Blanch kale that has had the tough stalks removed in boiling water and refresh in cold water. Gently cook the leeks in a little rapeseed oil until beginning to soften. Add a little garlic and continue cooking for a minute. Add the kale and stir to mix, season with a little salt and pepper and serve.