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Mary Berry Vegetarian Cottage Pie Recipe

Mary Berry Vegetarian Cottage Pie recipe
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Mary Berry’s vegetarian cottage pie is a delicious plant-based twist on the traditional British comfort food. It features a savory mixture of lentils, onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and tomatoes simmered together to create a flavorful base. The mixture is then topped with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It’s the perfect combination of texture and taste, offering comfort and nourishment in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery sticks, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 200g mushrooms, chopped

  • 1 tbsp tomato purée

  • 400g chopped tomatoes (canned)

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

  • 200g cooked green or brown lentils (drained if canned)

  • 150ml vegetable stock

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • 900g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

  • 50g butter

  • 50ml milk

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

Boil potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetable Base

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their juices.

Step 3: Add the Lentils and Sauce Ingredients

Stir in tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, herbs, soy sauce (if using), and lentils. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Cottage Pie

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Spoon the lentil and vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and smooth with a spatula. Use a fork to create texture on the surface for crispness.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp around the edges. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-vegetarian-cottage-pie/