Cosy, low-cost lentil ragù recipe | Vegetarian cottage pie and lasagne | Comfort food, meal prep
Recipes in this Video
Cottage Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the late 18th century. It is made with minced meat and topped with mashed potatoes. Originally, it was a way to use up leftover meat, making it a practical and economical meal. The dish is often associated with comfort food and is popular in homes across the UK, especially during colder months.
Ingredients
- ●ground beef
- ●potatoes
- ●onions
- ●carrots
- ●peas
- ●beef broth
- ●butter
- ●milk
- ●salt
- ●pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- 2Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them until tender.
- 3Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth.
- 4In a pan, sauté chopped onions and carrots until softened.
- 5Add ground beef and cook until browned, then stir in peas and beef broth.
- 6Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, then transfer to a baking dish.
- 7Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture evenly.
- 8Use a fork to create texture on the potato layer.
- 9Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- 10Let it cool slightly before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: ground pork
Turkey is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.
butter
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: margarine
Olive oil is healthier, while margarine can be more budget-friendly.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Lasagne is a traditional Italian dish believed to have originated in Ancient Greece, evolving into a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. It symbolizes family gatherings and celebrations, often prepared for special occasions. Today, lasagne has numerous variations worldwide, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile and cherished dish.
Ingredients
- ●lasagne sheets
- ●ground beef
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●canned tomatoes
- ●tomato paste
- ●olive oil
- ●mozzarella cheese
- ●Parmesan cheese
- ●ricotta cheese
- ●egg
- ●basil
- ●oregano
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 3Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- 6In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- 7Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish; cover with lasagne sheets.
- 8Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese.
- 9Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
- 10Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- 11Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 12Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 13Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground beef
Healthier: ground turkey
Cheaper: ground pork
Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.
mozzarella cheese
Healthier: part-skim mozzarella
Cheaper: cheddar cheese
Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat, while cheddar is often cheaper.
ricotta cheese
Healthier: cottage cheese
Cheaper: cream cheese
Cottage cheese is lower in fat, while cream cheese can be more affordable.
Parmesan cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: grated hard cheese
Nutritional yeast is a low-calorie alternative, while hard cheese can be less expensive.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As