Cottage Pie with Leek & Potato Topping Recipe

Shepherds Pie has to be made with lamb. That's why it's called 'shepherds'. Shepherds only had lamb or mutton, never beef. The similar dish made with beef is correctly called Cottage Pie. In general any Shepherds Pie recipe should work just as well with beef or only need the flavourings altering.

Preheat the oven to Gas mark 5/190C/350F. Boil the potatoes until softened, adding leeks 5 minutes before the end. Meanwhile, dry fry the mince, onions and carrots for 3-4 minutes. Add the flour. Gradually add stock, tomato puree and dried herbs. Bring to the boil and stir until thickened. Season. Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Drain and mash the potatoes and leeks with margarine and half the cheese. Season. Place on top of mince mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden. Serve with a selection of seasonal vegetables.