A Classic Comfort: The Perfect Pie and Mash Recipe

Pie and mash, a traditional London working-class dish, is surprisingly simple to make at home. This recipe guides you through creating a delicious and authentic pie and mash experience, perfect for a cozy evening or a fun family gathering. Let's get started!

What You'll Need: The Ingredients

This recipe is broken down into two parts: the pie filling and the mash.

For the Pie Filling (Serves 4-6):

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g beef mince (or a mix of beef and lamb)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 400ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth of flavour)

For the Mash (Serves 4-6):

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 50g butter
• 100ml milk (or more, to adjust consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Making the Pie Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown the mince: Add the beef mince to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Bloom the spices: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute.
4. Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mince and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Simmer the stew: Gradually add the beef stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the tomato purée, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour will become.
6. Remove the bay leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf.

Creating the Creamy Mash: Simple and Delicious

1. Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash it up: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Your Pie and Mash: The Finishing Touches

Traditionally, pie and mash is served in a bowl, with the pie filling spooned over the creamy mashed potatoes. You can garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of vibrant green. For an even more authentic experience, consider serving it with a dollop of liquorice eel sauce (available in many supermarkets).

Tips for Pie and Mash Perfection

• Don't overcook the mince: Overcooked mince can become dry and tough. Aim for a tender and juicy result.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to suit your preferences.
• Use good quality ingredients: The flavour of your pie and mash will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Experiment with variations: While this recipe offers a classic approach, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist.

Enjoy your homemade pie and mash! This comforting dish is a true taste of London tradition. Let us know in the comments how your pie and mash turned out!