SAVING THE FOOD BUDGET WITH CASSEROLES

HOW TO MAKE GREAT COTTAGE PIE

When it comes to good health, balanced meals and good eating there isn’t much that beats a good casserole unless it is a good soup, stew or salad.  Making casseroles is also a good way to save money and not waste.

Cottage pie really isn’t pie at all.  It contains no pastry.  Cottage pie is a casserole and a hearty, healthy and easy to prepare main dish that just about everyone loves.  It is very similar to “Shepherd’s pie” made with ground lamb or beef, corn and mashed potato but Cottage pie is a bit more robust and has a unique flavor all its own.  You’ll need a 2 quart casserole dish to make this.

Real Cottage pie originated in the Scottish Highlands and shortly made its way to England and in time to America and other places as well.  It is a good way to use up leftovers and pinch pennies.  Waste not, want not.  You don’t have to use leftovers but it is a good way to use them up.  It is made up of meat, vegetables, herbs, spices and a topping of mashed potato.  Here is how to make it.

COTTAGE PIE

In a large pan sauté

1 pound ground beef or 4 cups chopped left over roast beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic minced

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. dried mustard

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Pinch of ground nutmeg

When the onion turns transparent Add

1 med. size, firm tomato diced

2 carrots diced

1/2 cup frozen peas

And mix this all together with

1 1/2 cups beef gravy

Bring to simmer over med. Cover and heat and simmer for 20-25 min. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.

While your meat and vegetables are simmering

Peel, rinse and boil until tender 6 to 8 white potatoes.  Drain and mash adding butter, just a little milk or light cream and salt and pepper to taste. Whip until light and fluffy.  This is your casserole topping 

Place meat and vegetable mixture in the bottom of your casserole dish and top with the mashed potatoes.   Sprinkle lightly with shredded cheddar cheese and a little parsley and place in a 350 degree oven 7 to 10 min. Just long enough for the cheese to melt and the top to become golden.

Remove from oven and allow to set for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.   Serve with a tossed green salad, chunks of crusty whole grain bread and dilly green beans or pickles of your choice.  This makes a delicious meal the whole family will love.  I like to follow this with apple pie for dessert but have whatever you like.

This is a very old recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation; one brought here probably by my Scottish ancestors and handed down in my family.  We were brought up not to waste anything and especially food; find a way to use up those leftovers from a previous meal so you make casseroles, stews and soups and stretch the food budget.  You can make a little go a long way and that is a good thing to know how to do in today’s economy.  This is a good way to use them…or you can make it from a fresh start.  Either way you will be happy with this meal and it is loaded with lots of good things to keep you healthy.