Mary berry veggie cottage pie

Mary berry veggie cottage pie is a meat-free version of the classic British dish that typically includes ground beef. Instead, this recipe uses lentils and vegetables to create a hearty and flavorful filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake while still enjoying comfort food. The recipe also includes tips on how to make it ahead of time or freeze for later use, making it a convenient meal option as well.

Why people also love Mary berry veggie cottage pie

People love Mary Berry’s veggie cottage pie for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is a delicious and hearty vegetarian option that can satisfy even meat-eaters with its rich flavors and textures. Secondly, the lentils in the filling provide a good source of protein while also making it more affordable than traditional beef-based cottage pies. Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to different dietary needs or preferences – for example, you could swap out some of the vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Finally, like many of Mary Berry’s recipes, this dish can be made ahead of time or frozen for later use which makes meal planning much easier!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 200g green lentils (dried or canned)
• 400g can of chopped tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the mashed potato topping: 700g potatoes (peeled weight), cut into chunks
• 50ml milk
• 25g butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to fan/gas mark6.
2. After this,Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
4. Stir in carrots and celery then add lentils along with 400ml of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Stir in canned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. While the filling is cooking, prepare the mashed potato topping by boiling potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes).
8. Drain well, add milk and butter then mash together until smooth.
9. Transfer the lentil mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread mashed potatoes on top evenly using a fork or spatula.
10. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Serving Suggestions:
This dish can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You could also pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• If using dried lentils, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
• You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers if you like.
• For extra flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling mixture.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories – 348kcal
• Fat – 8g
• Saturated Fat -3g
• Carbohydrates – 56g
• Fiber – 14g
• Sugar – 11g
• Protein – 13g

Presentation:
Mary Berry’s veggie cottage pie can be presented in a rustic and homely way, with the mashed potato topping spread evenly over the lentil filling. You could also garnish it with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add color and freshness. Serve hot from the oven in individual portions or family-style for everyone to help themselves.

Variations and substitutions for Mary berry veggie cottage pie:

1. Lentils: You can use other types of legumes like chickpeas, black beans or kidney beans instead of lentils.
2. Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference. Some good options include sweet potatoes, butternut squash, zucchini, eggplant or spinach.
3. Topping: Instead of mashed potatoes, you could try using mashed sweet potato or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
4. Cheese: For added flavor and creaminess, you can sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking the dish in the oven.
5. Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika or chili powder to give this dish a unique twist.
6. Meaty version: If you’re not vegetarian/vegan and want to add some meat, you can substitute half of the lentils with ground beef or lamb.
7. Gluten-free: If you’re gluten intolerant, use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce and make sure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
8. Vegan version: To make this dish vegan-friendly, omit the butter in the mashed potatoes and replace it with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
9. Mexican-style: Add some chili powder and cumin to give it a Mexican twist, then top with shredded cheese and serve with avocado slices on top.
10. Mediterranean-style: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar cheese, add some olives to the filling mixture and sprinkle fresh oregano over the top before baking in oven.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking them.
2. If you’re using dried lentils, soak them overnight or follow the package instructions for soaking time.
3. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.
4. To make this dish healthier, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and reduce the amount of butter used in mashed potatoes.
5. For a more flavorful filling, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to it while cooking.
6. Be careful not to overcook your vegetables as they will become mushy and lose their texture.
7. Letting your cottage pie cool down slightly before serving allows flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
8. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just Be sure to wrap it tightly in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
9. If you’re using a glass baking dish, make sure to let it come up to room temperature before placing it in the oven, as sudden changes in temperature could cause the dish to crack.
10. When making mashed potatoes, try not to overwork them as this will result in a gummy texture rather than light and fluffy mash.

Conclusion:

Mary Berry’s veggie cottage pie is a delicious meat-free alternative that can be enjoyed by everyone! This recipe uses hearty green lentils as a protein source instead of beef, and is packed with flavorful vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. The mashed potato topping adds a creamy texture that complements the filling perfectly. This dish can be made ahead of time or frozen for later use which makes it a convenient meal option as well. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to reduce your meat intake while still enjoying comfort food, Mary Berry’s veggie cottage pie is definitely worth trying!

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