Shepherds’ Pie

I know it should be called cottage pie if it is beef, and shepherds’ pie if it is mutton – but I have always called it shepherds’ pie with beef so I’m going to continue.

I tried an experiment today in the interests of improving the general health (and weight) of our little team here.  I normally make my pie with all mince, put butter in the potatoes, and then cheese on top.  Then serve with baked beans.

Today I fried the onions in minimal oil, and added chopped carrots and tomatoes to the mince.  I did not add butter or cheese to the potatoes, and I served it with cauliflower and broccoli.

Actually it was still very good – not quite as good as the full fat version – but I would guess about 2/3rds of the calories.  I also tried to size control portions, but this was taken out of my hands by one of the team (who will remain nameless) scraping the last portion out of the disk and retreating to his lair with it.