Chicken and Celery

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 4 lb (2 kg) chicken

Cooking and Serving

Heat the oil in a casserole and brown the chicken lightly on all sides. Remove. Add the celery, onion and leek and toss for a few minutes without colouring. Add the bay leaf, thyme and seasonings. Place the chicken on its side, on top of the vegetables. Cover tightly and cook on the hob or in a slow oven till the chicken is tender. Baste three times, at approximate