Individual Cottage Pies

Serves: to serve 4

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 50 mins

Ingredients

FOR THE POTATOES

2 lb - potatoes

1 oz - butter

3 - 4 tablespoons - milk

FOR THE MEAT

2 tablespoons - olive oil

1 - onion

1 - leek

1 - carrot

1 clove - garlic

1½ lb - lean minced beef (ground beef)

1 tablespoon - tomato purée (concentrated tomato paste)

  - salt and pepper

  - herb oil

4 sprigs - thyme

Directions

  1. Peel, cook and prepare the potatoes according to the simple recipe for Creamed Potatoes
  2. While the potatoes are cooking, peel and crush (mince) the garlic, peel and finely chop the onion, leek and carrot. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the onion, leek, carrot and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes until just beginning to soften but not colouring.
  3. Stir the minced beef into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, breaking up any lumps with the edge of a wooden spoon. Stir in the tomato puree and cook gently for another 10 minutes until completely tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly-ground black pepper.
  4. To serve, place a 3½" (9cm) ring mould on each plate (warm the plates first). Spoon the minced beef mixture into the moulds, then add the mashed potatoes, gently fluffing the top with a fork. Carefully remove the moulds.
  5. Finish off with a drizzle of herb oil, garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve with Peppered Cabbage or simple Fried Mushrooms or even just a spoon full of Baked Beans.