Mary Berry Lentil Cottage Pie Recipe
Dive into the warmth and comfort of Mary Berry's Lentil Cottage Pie, a vegetarian delight that promises the same satisfaction as its meat-based counterpart. Perfect for hearty dinners or weekend lunches, this recipe is not just a winter warmer but also a family-pleaser, showcasing Mary Berry's expertise in creating flavorsome dishes that cater to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for the Lentil Cottage Pie:
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Onions (coarsely chopped): 2
- Garlic cloves (finely chopped): 2
- Carrots (chopped into about 1cm cubes): 2
- Swede (chopped into about 1cm cubes): 200g
- Dried red lentils: 125g
- Canned plum tomatoes: 400g
- Sun-dried tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Vegetable stock: 350ml
- Fresh spinach (chopped): 85g
- Smooth potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks, about 5cm): 900g
- Butter: 30g
- Full-fat or semi-skimmed milk: 5 tbsp
- Mature Cheddar cheese (coarsely grated): 140g
Preparation Instructions:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large sauté pan to fry the onions and garlic until golden. Add carrots and swede, cooking them briefly before introducing the lentils, tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate the spinach until wilted, then transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- For the topping, boil potatoes until tender, mash them with milk and butter, mix in the cheese, and spread over the lentil mixture.
- Bake until the top is golden and bubbling, creating a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Storage and Reheating:
To store, let the pie cool down before covering and placing it in the fridge. For reheating, bake in an oven until hot throughout or microwave portions for a quick meal.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is rich in fiber from lentils and vegetables, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The cheese adds calcium and protein, making it a balanced meal.
FAQ about the Lentil Cottage Pie:
- Can I freeze the Lentil Cottage Pie? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely, feel free to swap in or add other vegetables to your liking.
The original recipe for this wholesome and comforting Lentil Cottage Pie comes from Mary Berry, featured in her book "Mary Berry Cooks the Perfect." It's a testament to her ability to create dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.
Enjoy this delightful dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite, following Mary Berry's expert guidance to create a vegetarian cottage pie that's as comforting as it is delicious.