Most family pantry cupboards have at least one, if not two, cans of condensed tomato soup - ready for that feed-the-family-in-a-hurry emergency. Use it here to make this easy family-style casserole.

Ingredients

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 bacon steaks, thinly sliced, optional
• 2 onions, peeled and sliced
• 250-350 grams button mushrooms, halved
• 420 gram can condensed tomato soup
• ½ cup water
• ½-1 cup sour cream, optional

Method

1. Turn the slow cooker on to low to pre-warm while gathering and preparing the ingredients.
2. In a plastic bag or large lidded container, put the chicken drumsticks with the paprika, onion salt and garlic powder and shake to mix evenly. At this stage, the chicken can be refrigerated overnight if wished.
3. Heat a dash of oil in a heavy-based frying-pan and, when very hot, brown the chicken drumsticks quickly and evenly. Do not overcrowd the pan as the chicken will stew and not brown. Brown the bacon and onions if wished.
4. Into the pre-warmed slow cooker put the chicken, bacon, onions and mushrooms. In a jug, mix together the condensed tomato soup and water and pour over the chicken pieces. Turn the pieces to coat as well as possible and cover with the lid.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-5 hours, or until the chicken drumsticks are well cooked. Gently mix in the sour cream if using and season with pepper.
6. Serve with your favourite seasonal vegetables or a baked potato and crisp salad.

Cooks Tips

Variations - In place of bacon steaks, use 3-4 bacon rashers or 1 ham steak. - Use 1x 400 gram can diced tomatoes and ½ cup tomato paste in place on condensed soup. Try a flavoured variant like tomatoes with garlic. - Add ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.