Nigella Cottage Pie

Nigella Lawson's Cottage Pie is a comfort food classic, blending the rich flavors of cooked meat with the creamy smoothness of mashed potatoes, all under a golden cheese topping. This dish not only offers a hearty meal but also a way to utilize leftover meat, making it a practical choice for family dinners. Below is an adapted summary of the recipe originally inspired by Nigella Lawson, alongside tips and serving suggestions to ensure you make the most out of this beloved dish.

Ingredients for Nigella Lawson's Cottage Pie

For the Topping:

• Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (approx. 680g)
• Butter (85g)
• Milk (60ml)

For the Filling:

• Olive oil (1 tbsp)
• Parsley, minced
• Shallot or small onion, minced
• Garlic clove, minced
• Celery stalk, minced
• Carrot, peeled and minced
• Cooked meat, cubed (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1 tsp)
• Chopped tomatoes (1 cup)
• Milk (80ml)
• Heavy cream (2 tbsp)
• Butter (1 tbsp)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the Mash: Boil the potatoes until soft, then mash with butter and milk.
2. Cook the Filling: Sauté parsley, shallot, garlic, celery, and carrot. Add meat, then flour, and cook further. Incorporate tomatoes, milk, and cream, simmering to a thick consistency.
3. Assemble and Bake: Place the filling in a dish, cover with mash, sprinkle cheese if desired, and bake until golden.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Cool the pie, then store covered for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Portion, wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw if frozen, then bake or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

A single serving provides a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, totaling approximately 693 calories. It's rich in fiber (12g per serving) and offers a moderate amount of salt (1.2g per serving).

FAQs about Nigella Lawson's Cottage Pie

• Making Ahead: The pie can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked when needed.
• Creamy Mash Tips: Use floury potatoes and mash them well with butter, cream, and egg yolks for the best texture.
• Preventing Overflow: Ensure the meat mixture is thick and the mash covers it entirely to prevent bubbling over.
• Achieving a Crispy Cheese Crust: Sprinkle cheese evenly and bake until golden; use the broiler for extra crispiness if desired.
• Freezing: Cottage Pie freezes excellently for up to 3 months.

This comforting dish, originating from Nigella Lawson's repertoire, is a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, hearty meals that can bring warmth and satisfaction to any table​​​​.

For a detailed recipe and additional tips, visiting Cooking with Nigella and British Recipes Book could provide more insights and variations to tailor this dish to your preferences.