Ingredients

450 g lean ground beef
1 large onion , finely diced
1 garlic clove , minced
240 g whole peeled canned tomatoes
140 g tinned sweetcorn
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 beef stock cube
150 ml armagnac
100 ml red wine
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh oregano , chopped
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
900 g floury potatoes , peeled
1 medium leek , washed and sliced
100 g cheddar cheese , coarsely grated
50 g butter
6 slices serrano ham , roughly torn into strips
salt and pepper
Cottage pie is a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a meal to share with friends. However, this slightly posher version takes the classic dish and elevates it to a new level of sophistication by adding armagnac and red wine to the mix. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is filled with rich flavors and aromas. The serrano ham adds a touch of saltiness that complements the richness of the beef and potatoes perfectly. This dish is sure to become a staple in your household and impress your guests with its delicious taste.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for fan assisted ovens) Gas Mark 6.
2.Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes.
3.Drain and mash them with plenty of salt, pepper, butter, and 50g of grated cheddar cheese.
4.In a separate pan, heat some oil and add the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and browned.
5.Add the beef mince and brown for another 5 minutes.
6.Add the tomatoes, sweetcorn, tomato puree, beef stock, armagnac, red wine, cinnamon, oregano, tarragon, and fennel seeds. Simmer for 20 minutes.
7.Stir in the sliced leeks and pour the mixture into a baking dish.
8.Cover with the mashed potatoes and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9.Add the strips of serrano ham and bake for 25 minutes in the oven until the cheese is brown and bubbly on top.

PROS

This dish is flavorful and filling, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
The use of armagnac and red wine gives it a slightly posher twist on a classic cottage pie.

It is a great dish to make ahead of time and is perfect for meal prep.
You can also easily double the recipe and freeze any extra portions for later.

CONS

This meal can be high in calories and fat content due to the cheese and butter in the mashed potatoes as well as the beef mince.
It is important to practice portion control and balance this meal with healthier options throughout the day.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Cottage Pie does contain some vegetables like onion, garlic, and leek, which are important sources of vitamins and minerals. The beef mince provides protein, iron, and zinc. The armagnac and red wine also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body when consumed in moderation. However, due to the high fat content, this should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet

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