Flavoursome and affordable mushrooms have all the attributes of a superfood - nutrient-rich, low in kilojoules and high in antioxidants
Cottage Pie
Ingredients
1 tbs olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince
400g button mushrooms, diced
2 tbs tomato paste
400g can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
3-4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Method
Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until soft. Increase heat to high. Add the mince. Cook, stirring constantly to break up mince, for 5 minutes or until browned
Add the mushrooms, tomato paste, tomatoes, stock and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 220°C. Spoon the mince mixture into a 5-cup capacity ovenproof dish. Top with mashed potato. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until potato begins to turn golden. Serve
Mashed potato
Ingredients
600g potatoes, peeled, cut into 4cm pieces (see tip)
60g butter, softened
1/3 cup milk, warmed
Method
To make the mashed potato Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water, add a good pinch salt. Cover and bring to the boil over high heat
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, partially covered, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender
Drain and return the potatoes to hot saucepan. Roughly mash. Add the butter and milk
Beat with a wooden spoon until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm
Tips & Hints
With so many potato varieties now available, it's important to select the right one.
Floury potatoes are high in starch and low in sugar and moisture, these are the best for mashing. Desiree, sebago, golden delight, nicola and King Edward are all great potatoes for mash
