Cottage Pie

What could be better on a cold winter's evening than a savoury Cottage Pie packed full of flavour.

This recipe will make enough for 4 hungry people. Try it with baked beans for a sloppy, delicious supper!

It can be frozen and microwaves very well. Here's how to do it:


Ingredients

1 tbsp oil

1 large onion chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

560g/1¼ lb beef mince

400g/14oz can tomatoes

290ml/10fl oz beef stock

2 tbsp tomato purée

salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the topping:

750g/1½ lb potatoes, peeled and chopped

75g/2½oz butter

55ml/2fl oz milk

125g/4oz cheese (optional)


Method

1. Put the potatoes into a pan of boiling water (you will need enough water to cover the potatoes). When the water begins to boil again, partially cover the pan and reduce the heat so that the water bubbles vigorously.

2. Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onion and carrot and cook over a low to medium heat for 5 minutes until soft.

3. Increase the heat to medium/high and add the minced beef. Cook for 3 minutes to brown.

4. Add the tomatoes, purée and beef stock..

5. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste after the simmering.

6. Now, switch on the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5.

7. While the mince is cooking, check that the potatoes are soft. When they are, drain
and mash them with the butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.

8. When the mince is cooked, spoon into an ovenproof dish. Top with the mash, sprinkle with cheese and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

9. While it's baking, go and watch the football.

10. After enjoying an exciting football match, jump up, utter a cry of anguish, and run to the kitchen.

11. Take the smoking mess out of the oven and tip into the bin.

12. Ring to order a Chinese takeaway.