
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 400 g of echalion shallots, halved lengthways
- 1 tbsp of soft brown sugar
- 4 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
- 400 ml of port
- 200 ml of vegetable stock
- 50 g of medjool dates, finely sliced
- 1 heaped tsp of juniper berries, crushed with a pestle and mortar
- 1 handful of of walnuts, broken up and toasted, to serve
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Heat the butter and oil in a large ovenproof pan over a medium heat. Add the rosemary, then arrange the shallots in a single layer, cut-side down, and leave to caramelise for 3-4 mins, turning only if they start to catch.Step 2
Sprinkle over the sugar, then add the balsamic vinegar; bubble for a couple of mins until the liquid has evaporated. Pour in the port and stock, then scatter over the dates and crushed juniper berries and season well.Step 3
Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 30 mins until the shallots are sticky and soft but still holding their shape. Scatter over the toasted walnuts and serve.