Cottage Pie

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Cottage pie is a classic Kiwi comfort food that’s both nutritious and affordable. This recipe is a great way to use a budget-friendly protein like mince and can be easily stretched with extra vegetables or lentils.

Ingredients:

• Beef mince
• Onions
• Carrots
• Frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn work well)
• Beef stock
• Tomato paste
• Potatoes
• Milk or butter for mashing
• Cheese (for topping, optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the filling: Brown the mince in a pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Cook until soft.
2. Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute, then add beef stock and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. You can also add a can of lentils to bulk it out and add extra protein.
3. Create the topping: While the filling simmers, boil and mash your potatoes. Add a little milk or butter to make it creamy.
4. Assemble and bake: Spoon the mince filling into an ovenproof dish. Top with the mashed potato, using a fork to create ridges. Sprinkle with cheese for a golden finish.
5. Cook: Bake in the oven at 180°C for about 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

This meal is versatile, and you can easily adapt it based on what’s on special at your local supermarket. You can also make a large batch and freeze leftovers for another dinner.