traditional cottage pie

Ingredients traditional cottage pie

Mince
1 large onion chopped
2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
300 ml red wine
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 tsp mixed dried herbs
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 medium carrots sliced
150 grams smoked bacon chopped
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp tomato purée
500 grams mince beef
Mash
1 tbsp dijon mustard
80 grams butter
4 tbsp full fat milk
1 kg potatoes peeled and diced
Water to boil potatoes
1 pinch salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Grated cheddar cheese

how to make traditional cottage pie

Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan and heat the oil over a medium heat. Then add the bacon, fry for 2-3 minutes until bacon is cooked. Remove the bacon and set aside.

Add the onion, garlic and carrot to the pan to the oil, cook over a medium heat until the vegetables become soft.

Next add the mince and cook until brown.

Add the tin tomatoes, purée, wine, mixed herbs, the cooked bacon, the Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with lid and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

In the meantime, boil the potatoes in salted water until they are soft. About 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes well and then mash. Add the mustard, milk and butter. Season with pepper and if needed more salt. (You may add another tbsp of mustard, if you prefer the taste a little stronger).

When ready, spoon the mince mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the mash and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.

Pre-heat the oven to 190 c / Gas mark 5.

Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes or until the mash has become golden brown.

Let it rest for 15 minutes prior to serving.