'Half and Half' Cottage Pie with Root Veg Mash Recipe

Method

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-based saute pan, brown the mince then set aside. Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot and celery, add the the pan and cook for 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned. Return the mince to the pan, add the passata, beef stock, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce and chilli powder, mix well. Bring to the boil then leave to simmer for 20 minutes before adding the lentils, rinsed in cold water. Bring back to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring the root vegetables to the boil in a pan of cold, salted water until tender. Drain and allow to steam-dry slightly before mashing.
3. Mash the veg until very smooth, season well and set aside. Heat the oven to 180C, gas 4. Remove the pie filling to an ovenproof dish and cover evenly with the mash. Drizzle over a little olive oil, sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and cook for 30 minutes.