Our Apprentice LOVES potatoes. It is right up there with his favourites like plain yogurt, rice, multigrain bread, fish, chicken, cereal, tomatoes and only eclipsed by his all-time favourite, avocados. Because of him, potatoes make my weekly market list. And what’s not to love about potatoes when you are a toddler?
I remember eating copious amounts of potatoes as a kid. Mashed or smashed were my most treasured ways of enjoying this root vegetable. But me and my offspring aside, I think it is safe to say every child loves mashed potatoes- especially a nice buttery one.
We are constantly finding new ways to present potatoes to him and one particularly chillly evening, I came home and saw this on top of the stove. Initially I thought it was a mad polenta bake experiment. Man was I wrong!
I was famished, so while highly skeptical, I grabbed a spoon and sectioned out a piece on a small plate to taste.
“Is this a polenta experiment?” I asked Wynne, who takes care of our Apprentice at home while we are out working. I knew she had complained that the new brand of polenta I bought for the baby’s porridge was too coarse and best used for baking.
“Yes I was experimenting,” she smiled nervously. “You try it.”
And the rest is history! Literally, I had half of a nine inch dish by myself. I just could not stop! And then I remembered that I had a son, for whom this treat was intended and I finally put down my guilt-laden fork. Needless to say, she had to make it again so that I could actually take photographs. Here is the recipe that will soon become your family favourite…
Ingredients:
1 kg peeled potatoes, cubed
2kg minced beef
150g peeled carrots, diced
130 onions, diced
20g peeled garlic, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
70g unsalted butter
A big handful of parsley leave, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese
Method:
Preheat oven to 200C. Butter casserole or baking dish. Bring cubed potatoes to boil in a pot with water. Add salt to taste. Once soft, drain in a colander.
Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and mash with butter. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper a little at a time to taste. Set aside.
Saute onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes then ad the beef, and tomato paste. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir frequently until beef is cooked. Add chopped parsley at end and toss for a minute and remove from heat.
Spread the beef evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Dump the mashed potato on top and spread it evenly with an offset spatula or even the back of a spoon. If you feel up to it, make designs with a fork.
Grate a little parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 30 minutes and then turn on the broiler (top heating element) for another 50-10 minutes to get some colour on the top. If you want a creamier top, instead of a nice crusty one, do not turn on the broiler. Once done, remove from oven and set on a trivet. Serve hot!
Mrs. Al Zaabi says
Thanks so much Kari for sharing this wonderful recipe. I am going to make this dish very soon. 🙂
Chef and Steward says
Happy to share!
givememeatloaf says
This looks delicious, I have to try it. And beautiful pictures too!
Gloria says
With comfort season right around the corner, this is the perfect recipe. A great way to warm up on a chilly day. Perfect because it is freezer friendly too.
Denise says
What a delicious looking Beef Cottage Pie! This is a meal that my family will love, I can’t wait to try it.
Sharon says
All of the comfort food elements in an easy casserole. Perfect dinner for the winter months.
moopbrown says
This recipe looks like a tasty and easy to make meal perfect for weeknights! Can’t wait to try making this one
Tara says
This recipe is just what I never knew I needed! All of my favorite things in one dish! And it’s perfect for the upcoming cooler weather!
loreto Nardelli says
Wow! ? This looks so so comforting. I am totally with you on eating half the dish. This is the kind of food where the fork or spoon keeps going in! Well done and love the combination. Great job!❤
Riz @ Chocolates & Chai says
Ahhh cottage pie is one of my favourites. And it’s a perfect comfort food option as it starts to get colder this time of year!
Jo says
That beef cottage pie looks absolutely delicious! Love how easy it it to make and the flavors are so good! With winter around the corner this will be most coomforting to enjoy on a cold winter evening.
Heidy says
This recipe was wonderful! The entire family really enjoyed their meal! I will be making this again soon!
Looking forward to your next recipe post!
Have a great day!
Heidy
Nicole says
I have never heard of this but it looks like something I’d love! Thank you for sharing!