Cottage Garden Pie
Introduction
Cottage Garden Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the best of garden-fresh vegetables and savory mashed potatoes. This dish has its origins in the traditional English cottage pie, a close relative of shepherd's pie. Historically, the pie was a way to make use of leftovers and available vegetables, often topped with a crust of potatoes. The blend of fresh, seasonal vegetables in this dish reflects the bountiful offerings of a cottage garden, making it a perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor.
Ingredients
- Potatoes - 1 kg, peeled and quartered
- Carrots - 2, diced
- Peas - 1 cup
- Corn - 1 cup
- Green beans - 1 cup, chopped
- Broccoli florets - 1 cup
- Onion - 1 large, diced
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Butter - 4 tbsp
- Milk - 1/2 cup
- Cheddar cheese - 1 cup, grated
- Olive oil - 2 tbsp
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Fresh thyme - 1 tsp
Preparation
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Add milk and 2 tablespoons of butter to the potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir in half of the cheddar cheese. Set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the carrots, green beans, and broccoli to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Add the peas and corn, and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
Assembly
4. Layer the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Top the vegetables with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly with a spatula. Dot the top with the remaining butter and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top.
Cooking
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You can set a cooking timer to ensure you don't forget about it.
Serving
5. Enjoy Your Cottage Garden Pie
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad and a crusty bread. Enjoy your flavorful and wholesome Cottage Garden Pie that celebrates the harvest from your very own garden!