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The humble Cottage Pie is a perennial of economical cooking dating from the 18th century in Ireland and Great Britain. Made from easily sourced ingredients and easy to prepare, it fed laborers and peasant farmers on a budget. For a traditional Shepherd's Pie, use lamb instead of beef.
Ingredients - 1 brown onion, chopped - 1 kg mashed potato (see below) - 500 g beef mince - 500 g mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, celery) - 500 ml beef stock - 2 tablespoons plain flour - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - butter or oil for cooking
Instructions 1. Heat oil or butter in pan on medium-high heat. 2. Add vegetables and chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes. 3. Add mince, mix together with vegetables, and cook for another 5 minutes. 4. Add the flour, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock. Stir thoroughly. 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 30 minutes. 6. Meanwhile, pre-heat over to 200 C. If you intend to make your own mashed potatoes, follow the steps below now. 7. Once the beef sauce is cooked, spoon it into an oven dish, then cover it with the mashed potato. Bake for 20 minutes. 8. Serve immediately.
Mashed potato Mashed potato can be bought pre-made or as a powder. Alternatively, you can make it yourself for a truly authentic meal. Take 800 grams potatoes, cook in salted boiling water for 15 minutes, drain, return to pan and add 40 grams butter and mash with a potato masher or fork. Add 125 ml milk and stir until combined.
Servings Four.
Storage Keep the soup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.