Slow-cooking always feels right at this time of the year. But with everyone keeping a close eye on sharply rising energy costs, having the oven on all day long suddenly seems like a bit of an indulgence.

With Sainsbury’s new Taste the Di erence slowcooked meals for two, most of the cooking has already been done – all you have to do is pop them in the oven for a short spell to finish them off. If you fancy a midweek roast, go for Slow-cooked Crackling Pork Belly – a succulent outdoor-bred British pork belly joint that’s been expertly butchered and hand scored for a crisp and crackling fi nish. It comes with a fl avoursome apple, Calvados and pork stock jus and only needs an hour in the oven – add creamy mashed potato and some steamed greens for a special meal for two. For something even speedier, go for Slow-cooked Toulouse Inspired Cassoulet – tender pork shoulder cooked with cannellini beans and chorizo in a rich blend of herbs and spices – which is on the table in just half an hour. Serve with potato rosti or crusty bread.