Cottage Pies with a Difference

Normally when one makes a Cottage Pie it's normal to top with Mashed Potato
Here's two different toppings to try
For the kids...Little Fried Potato Pom Poms and for the others
Mashed Pumpkin and Kumera (Sweet Potato)
I used a packet of mushroom soup to thicken and give the mince some extra flavour

Both were delicious
You may wonder why the cheese hasn't melted as normal
It is Pecorino... which does melt that well
Covering for a member of family who is having a break from Cow Dairy
Using normal cheddar cheese would be quite different
This amount made enough for 2 oval x 5 cup casserole dishes

750 gms of beef mince
1 tbs rice bran oil
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
250 gms mushrooms sliced
1 packet Mushroom soup
Water
Good dash of Tomato Ketchup

For the Topping
Packet Potato Pom Poms
1 sweet potato (Kumera)
1 piece of pumpkin about 400 gms
Knob of butter
Chives
Cheddar Cheese grated (about 200 gms)

Heat a large frying pan medium
Add oil then add the mince
you will have to do this in more than one batch
Season with Sea Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
Fry till brown, remove and set aside

When the mince is cooked add a little more oil
Turn up the heat a bit
Throw in the mushrooms
Season with S & P
Toss them around till they start to brown
Remove and add to mince
Turn the heat down again
Time for the onion and garlic
Add to pan toss and cook till tender

Return the mince and mushrooms to the pan
Toss well
Add the mushroom soup mix and stir till blended

Add 1 cup of water
Stir well and cook till it thickens
You may need to add more water

Let it simmer away for 15-20 mins
checking frequently so it doesn't stick
When it is ready
Toss in a good dollop of ketchup
Transfer to the casserole dish

Meanwhile while the mince is cooking
Peel and dice the Kumera and the Pumpkin
Cook in salted water until tender

Mash with a good knob of butter
Taste and add extra S & P if needed
Add handful of chopped chives
Bake at 180C about 20-25 minutes
Sprinkle with some extra chives a some sea salt

With the other dish cover with Potato Pom Poms
Sprinkle over with Cheese

Bake at 180C till cheese melted and the mince bubbling
Garnish with chives and serve

Dinner is served