It was carefully constructed. There was grated Cheddar cheese on the top surface and below that, something a little different from mere mashed potato. It was a 50/50 mixture of mashed potato and mashed swede (American: rutabaga).
The meat layer beneath required 500 grams of good quality beef mince, a chopped onion and a large diced carrot. There was also half a tin of kidney beans, three cloves of chopped garlic, salt and pepper, a teaspoonful of dry mixed herbs, an "Oxo" cube, a dollop of tomato puree and half a tin of chopped tomatoes.
These ingredients bubbled together on a low heat for ninety minutes before I was ready to spoon the mince mixture into our largest casserole dish.
When the mash and the cheese had been layered on top, I popped the casserole dish into our oven at 200°C for half an hour. The cottage pie was eaten with tenderstem broccoli - cooked for seven minutes in our microwave.
"Oh I'm stuffed!" - Stewart.
"Mmm. That was really tasty!" - Frances.
"Is there any left?" - Shirley.
"Mnamnamna!" - Margot.
I did not know it becomes a "cottage" pie when using beef. I learn something new every day.
ReplyDeleteIt took me years to learn that.
DeleteWe have a special recipe in our house..... it's a cottage (or shepherd's) pie with a layer of Heinz baked beans between the spuds and the meat..... it's called boy scouts pie.
ReplyDeleteSadly, we cannot afford "Heinz" baked beans any more.
DeleteHow much did you pay those kids for the comments! Well, it sounds and looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI didn't bribe them. Just twisted their arms.
DeleteIt's always nice when people enjoy your cooking. Well done.
ReplyDeleteCooking for other people really motivates me.
DeleteThat sounds delicious. I like the sound of 50/50 potato and swede.
ReplyDeleteTry it but remember that chunks of rutabaga take longer to boil to softness than chunks of potato.
DeleteSounds like raves all around!
ReplyDeleteLet's put it this way, if your president knocked on my door and asked for some of my cottage pie I would yell "No way sucker!" and slam the door in his face.
DeleteAs you should!
DeleteI thought it sounded good with the exception of the rutabaga (swede) which was one of the things I detested as a child and since adulthood have avoided with a vengeance.
ReplyDeleteYou have heard of the saying "Give Peace a Chance!"? Well I say, "Give Rutabaga a Chance!"
DeleteI certainly looks gourmet!
ReplyDeleteI should have taken more pictures.
DeletePies are great! Not just the food itself, but also the logistics; while the pie takes care of itself in the oven, the kitchen can be put back in order, the table laid and so on.
ReplyDeleteI like to mix mashed spuds with swede or other roots, too.
I checked. Rutabaga in German is die Steckrübe - just in case you had forgotten!
DeleteI like to put in what in German is called Pastinake, too.
DeleteIt DOES look delicious and I have copied the recipe, since it will soonbe winter here and such warming foods will be most welcome.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had provided more detailed instructions.A key thing is to soften up the mince and make sure it is not too bland. Taste it before building the pie.
DeleteTwo "oxo" cubes instead of one perhaps.
DeleteNot a favourite but a very cheap and filling meal. Especially after a good walk or mucking out or gardening.
ReplyDeleteDone well cottage pie is very yummy.
DeleteDelicious, and I like that it spilled over a bit.
ReplyDeleteYour Ian if there, would have brought his own version.
Ian has done his own vegan versions of cottage pie - often using chopped mushrooms in place of mince.
DeleteI think Shirley's comment was spot on 😁
ReplyDeleteShe is never usually greedy for more - except when I have baked a cottage pie.
DeleteAs Rick Stein might say, YUMMO!
ReplyDeleteAs Yorkshire Pudding might say EFFOH!
DeleteShepherd's pie made from lamb (logical) and cottage pie made from cottage (no, er, beef). Strictly speaking, kidney beans and swede make it another variety altogether which has yet to receive a name. Maybe you could start a competition to guess a name for it and win a year's supply of it. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteMmmm... I will have to discuss that idea with my team.
DeleteThere is always a shepherd's pie waiting backstage for Keith Richards after a show. It is his favorite and a tradition.
ReplyDeleteI like the healthy additions and substitutions you've made here.
I never stick to recipes - I play around and develop my own versions.
DeleteLooks good, a new feature, cooking with Yorkshire.
ReplyDeleteYou should see my recipe for barbecued hamsters!
DeleteSounds and looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI don't wish to blow my own trumpet but it was bloody great Ellen!
DeleteI've never had a rutabaga to my knowledge and am even struggling with its spelling. What a strange looking word! I would enjoy your cottage pie; it sounds like comfort food.
ReplyDeleteOh yes - probably best enjoyed in wintertime.
DeleteIt looks great! I love swede and I could see how it would be good in a pie. I have to remember to mention that to Dave. Also -- kidney beans?! Are beans typically a cottage pie ingredient?
ReplyDeleteThe kidney beans add texture and variety to the mince.
Deletegood effort - i heartily endorse your choice of mixed root mash topping!!
ReplyDelete