Bacon Onion and Potato Hotpot

From Jocasta Innes 1971 “The Pauper’s Cookbook” - this is a wonderfully tasty dish and easy to make from store cupboard stand-bys. Ultimate cold weather comfort food,  I've been making this since I was an impoverished student.

The only downside is that it takes 2 hrs to oven cook (but you can cheat with a microwave if you're in a hurry*)

To Serve 4

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• sea salt and pepper
• grated nutmeg (optional)
• 4 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 125-225g bacon rashers (rind removed) - any bacon pieces will do.

1. Make a white sauce by melting the butter on a low heat in a small pot, stir in the flour and gradually whisk in the milk
2. Bring to the boil stirring all the while. Once smooth and thick, reduce the heat to a very low simmer, add seasoning and nutmeg (if used) and leave while preparing the rest
3. Grease a cassarole dish and build up layers of onion, potato and bacon bits ending with potatoes
4. Pour the while sauce over the top and jiggle well to distribute the sauce evenly
5. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 200C then uncover and reduce heat to 150C and cook for 1 final hour.

*If you don't have 2 hours, use a Pyrex casserole and microwave on medium high for 20 mins then finish at 200C in the oven for 50 mins