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Cottage pie for comfort

by Jeanne Horak on March 9, 2011 44 Comments in Gluten-free, Recipes - meat

Cottage pie title © J Horak-Druiff 2011


As Alannis Morisette said: “Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right” – and she wasn’t kidding.

This post was meant to be a joyous recounting of our incredible 2 weeks in South Africa; of the super successful Food Blogger Indaba 2011; of the glorious time we spent at the Beacon Isle Hotel in Plettenberg Bay; of our wedding vow renewal on the beach at Cape St Francis; and of our whirlwind tour of Cape Town’s culinary hotspots. But the universe evidently had other plans.  24 hours before we returned to London, my 88-year-old father fell on the stairs in his house and broke his hip.  I was already 800km away in Cape Town and after talking to boith my father and my brother, decided not to cancel my flight back to London.  My father sounded calm and in good spirits from his hospital bed and hip surgery is fairly routine.  Besides, everybody agreed that the real difficulty would be the long and slow recovery time, so I decided that visiting him a month or so after the operation would probably be of more benefit to everybody.

But although it is now four days after the fall, he is still in hospital, in traction and on morphine, still with a broken hip.  Various tests have revealed that the fall may in fact not have been a case of him tripping, but rather having a heart attack which caused him to fall.  His heart, besides being 88 years old, was found to be in a compromised position.  And while general anaesthetic for somebody who is 88 years old is risky, it’s even more so for an 88 year-old with a bad heart.  While the doctors have debated the pros and cons and sent my brother and his wife on a runaround of medical protocol hell, my father has become increasingly confused and agitated, wanting on occasion to get out of bed if only somebody would hand him his walking stick; or believing that he is in Plettenberg Bay rather than a hospital.  Speaking to him on the phone is increasingly difficult and heartbreaking; but I am sure it is even harder on my brother who has to see his father helpless in a hospital bed.

Surgery has been postponed and postponed – first because my father was choosing an orthopaedic surgeon (he’s a doctor and has strong opinions on who is a “quack” and who is an expert!); then because they were trying to ascertain the condition of his heart; and yesterday because there was no bed available in the intensive care unit for him after surgery.  The latest plan is to have surgery this afternoon. I have been on the phone to my brother and sister-in-law constantly; trying to keep track of what is happening; trying to do what I can from here; and talking to my dad, even though the morphine makes him almost indecipherable.  I have debated rushing home, but although that seems a gllibly simple solution, work and financial commitments here in London mean that it is easier said than done.  I keep reminding myself that I have just spent ten days of quality time on holiday with my father, talking , eating, laughing, celebrating and walking on the beach.  He knows I love him.  And I pray that it will be the love of his family that will strengthen and sustain him through the operation he will be having this afternoon.  He’s a tough old bugger, as my husband keeps reminding me.

 

CottagePieCollage

I, on the other hand, don’t even pretend to be tough.  I feel physically exhausted and emotionally drained by the worry and uncertainty. On some theoretical level you know that living on a different continent to your family wil entail some tough choices, but you never know just how tough until Fate throws you a curve ball like this.  I arrived home last night in no mood to cook or eat, but I know my body needs sustenance to carry me through the coming days and weeks.  Whatever I made had to be supremely comforting but fairly simple, and this cottage pie fits both requirements perfectly.  The longer you can leave the mince to simmer, the better the flavours will be.

Serve this with green vegetables and an easy-drinking red wine like Graham Beck’s Railroad Red.

 

Cottage pie
 
Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
40 mins
Total time
1 hour
 
This traditional British dish of beef mince under a cheesy topping of mashed potatoes is hearty and comforting - like a hug in a bowl.
Author: Jeanne Horak-Druiff
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 750g (27 oz) lean beef mince/ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 4 sticks celery, finely diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
  • olive oil for frying
  • 1 x 410g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes with juice
  • 250ml (8.5 fl oz) beef stock
  • 2 Tbsp tomato concentrate paste
  • 1 Tbsp
  • chipotle ketchup
  • (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper
  • FOR THE TOPPING:
  • 4 large floury potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 75g (1/3 cup) butter
  • 50ml (1.75 fl oz) milk (or more, as needed)
  • 1 tsp mustard of your choice
  • 100g (3.5 oz) Cheddar cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Add enough oil to a large, deep frying pan to cover the base and heat. Sautée the onion, carrots and garlic in the oil until the onion is translucent but not yet browning. Add the garlic and beef and continue to cook until the mince is browned and almost cooked.
  2. Stir in the tin of tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, sugar, chipotle ketchup (if using) and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer over medium heat until the sauce has reduced to the desired consistency (about 30-40 minutes). Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper at the end.
  3. Pre-heat the oven to 190C (375F).
  4. In the meantime, boil the potatoes in water until soft enough to pierce easily with a sharp knife (about 20 minutes). Drain well. In a bowl, mash the potatoes well together with the butter, mustard and milk. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Spoon the cooked mince into an ovenproof casserole dish, discarding the bay leaf. Spread the mashed potato as evenly as possible over the top, making sure all the mince is covered. Score some lines in the top of the potato with a fork, then sprinkly liberally with the grated cheese. Place in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until the potato topping turns golden brown. You can also turn the grill on for a few minutes towards the end.
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  1. Jamie says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Oh, sweetheart, I am sending you hugs and your dad my thoughts and prayers. I, too, live far from my family and have had to struggle with the decision many times of whether or not to go back to help a sick loved one or even whether or not to go back for a funeral. My mom is old and frail and I want to be with her but I know I can’t always be there. My life is here now. But as you said (and I have also been in the same place) you just spent a wonderful holiday with him and that is so important. If you must go back you’ll do it. It is not easy when one lives far from those we love. And hope that things like this wonderful Cottage Pie do bring you comfort. xoxo

    Reply
  2. meeta says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I’ve said what I wanted to say in my emails. I am here always and forever. You do not have to be strong – I will be for you when you are weak. Love you!

    Reply
  3. Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Both my parents are still alive and also live in South Africa. If something happened to them I’ll shit myself. I don’t know how you’re coping, you must be stronger than me! Best of luck and I hope to hearing good news from you soon. x

    Reply
  4. Kit says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Such a hard thing to deal with, even worse when you are far away. Thinking of you, and I hope it will all go well with him, so that he can get out of hospital as soon as possible.

    Reply
  5. Diane says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Sending lots of love and hugs, dear Jeanne!

    Reply
  6. Colleen says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Oh sweetie, just remember those 10 days you just spent with your dad. You know that I am praying….for your dad, for you & Nick, your brother and his family. Wish I could put my arms around you now as you wait…and wait!! Its just the worst part. I think back to when Don was in hospital and morphine was doing the talking. It makes them very confused and agitated. Big hugs to you. Love you xx

    Reply
  7. Polkadotcupcake says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Oh Jean! sending so many hugs and such love to you and your family.. Being far from family at a time like this is TOUGH.. you’re lucky to have your husband with you, and that time with your dad so recently.
    Your dad knows you love him, he knows how much you care and how much you want to be there, and he understands that you can’t.
    Rest assured that we’re all here with you, holding your hand each step of the way 🙂
    hugs and love from sa!

    Reply
  8. Pretty_pretty says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    You are in my prayers – lots of strength and love and good energy to you and of course to your dear father. Hang in there!

    Reply
  9. bellini says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Jeanne I am so sorry to hear about your dad. When you are far away it makes it that much more difficult. I was talking to my own dad this morning who lives 1,000 of miles away, and is about the same age, and my heart goes out to you. Comfort food like cottahe pie are perfect at times like this.

    Reply
  10. Koek! says

    March 9, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Oh Jeanne – my heart is breaking for you and your family, andy thoughts are with you. I hope like hell he pulls through and recovers. Here’s a big virtual hug. Robyn x

    Reply
  11. Jan says

    March 9, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Jeanne my thoughts are with you and your family. I really hope he’s okay. xoxo

    Reply
  12. Gill says

    March 9, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Oh Jeanne honey, this must be soooo tough on you! Thinking of you and your Dad at this horribly trying time xxx

    Reply
  13. Krista says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Jeanne. I can only imagine how gutting this whole situation is for you. Sending you big hugs and hoping for healing, understanding and wisdom for everyone involved.

    Reply
  14. Celia says

    March 10, 2011 at 1:01 am

    Dear Jeanne, best wishes to your family and your dad. I know how it feels, we are also thousands of miles away (Beijing) from our family in SA. It breaks your heart when something like this happens.

    Reply
  15. Barbara says

    March 10, 2011 at 4:10 am

    Hi Jeanne – just been reading the news about your Dad and wanted to send a cyberhug and note to say we Scatterlings have such a hard time being so far away … as you say, we know it’s part of what we have to deal with but, when the time comes it’s so very much harder than we imagined. Sounds like your Dad is in good medical hands, with family close by. Take time to enjoy your portion of cottage pie, while you reflect on the happy holiday you’ve just had with him. Stay strong and positive while they take care of him back home.

    Reply
  16. SALLY2HATS says

    March 10, 2011 at 4:39 am

    As an expat myself, I relate to what you are going through entirely. Thinking of you through this tough time.

    Reply
  17. Gillian says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:11 am

    That is the hard part about living in a different country from your loved ones, as so many of us do. I hope the surgery goes well, and the important thing to focus on is the fact that he does know how much you care. Miles cannot stop love flowing from one continent to another. take care

    Reply
  18. Firefly says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:00 am

    Oh man. I hope he gets better quickly. At least you were close to home in case you had to rush to him. As for the cottage pie, we had some just the other night.

    Reply
  19. Robyn says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:22 am

    Jeanne, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad! Sending hugs and prayers your way. I think if it was me eating the cottage pie I would have cried all the way through as cottage pie reminds me of home. Hope he recovers soon! Robyn

    Reply
  20. Mandy - The Complete Cook Book says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:29 am

    So sorry to hear of your Dad’s fall and all the difficulties. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
    :-)Mandy

    Reply
  21. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:01 am

    I’m sorry to hear your dad is not well, I hope he recovers soon! I know very well how it is like to live far away from your family (myself being in Australia, my parents in Finland I couldn’t be much further away) and one feels so helpless when something happens to them. This cottage pie is such a warming, welcoming dish – perfect for any situation.

    Reply
  22. Rosemary says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:07 am

    My dear friend I know exactly how you feel. I have just been through that with my boss (who is like a father to me). It’s very hard when they are confused and agitated. I’m praying for you and your family. Being far away from the ones we love is so painful, when they are healthy – can not imagine your pain being so far. Love and strength to you (and Nick).

    Reply
  23. The Food Fox - Ilse van der Merwe says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:14 am

    My dad was very ill last year due to a serious back operation that went wrong, 10 years after he had huge heart bypass surgery. I know the uncertainty and worry that goes along with something like this!! I am thinking of you and your dad and your whole family! Be strong and calm, and be thankful that he is in good hands. xx

    Reply
  24. Lana says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:17 am

    Twenty or so years ago when I decided to live on another continent, my parents were healthy and strong. Now they are getting weaker, and my heart breaks every time I talk to them.
    My dad is also a retired physician, which makes him the worst possible patient.
    I feel your anguish and wish that I can do more than offer my thoughts and well wishes.
    I hope surgery goes well and he recovers soon.
    He knows that he has a loving family.

    Reply
  25. Jane-Anne says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:18 am

    Oh Jeanne, so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending you warm wishes. You so deserve that lovely cottage pie. x

    Reply
  26. Alida says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Lots of love and prayers going your way Jeanne! It is so hard to see a parent in that situation. I hope he recovers quickly and ENJOY that cottage pie, you need all the comfort you can get now! xx

    Reply
  27. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:09 am

    My heart goes out to you Jeanne, I know how hard it is to not be able to be there with your dad right now. I saw my mother go through it with my grandfather and I understand that helpless feeling. I’ll be thinking of you and your family, and wishing for the speediest of recoveries.

    Reply
  28. barbara says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Jeanne I’m so sorry to read about your father. Sending you hugs as you negotiate this difficult time.

    Reply
  29. gloria says

    March 10, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Jeanne sorry by your Dad, send you huggs and prayers, x gloria

    Reply
  30. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    My thoughts are with you, Jeanne! Food can be so comforting during these tough times… and this pie looks like a great way to take your mind off of things.

    Reply
  31. CherylK says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I’m very, very sorry to hear about your father’s accident. What a stressful time you’re going through. You and your brother certainly won’t feel better until he does so I do hope he’s feeling better soon.
    If all of the good thoughts of all of your friends around the world make a difference, it won’t be long. Do take care of yourselves, too.
    One of my favorite comfort foods is cottage pie but my recipe is different. I’m going to try this one. I would never have thought to put the chipotle ketchup in it but I’ll bet it’s wonderful.

    Reply
  32. Simone says

    March 11, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    O no! So sorry to hear about your fathers accident and all the trouble that came after!! It is so hard when one of your loved ones is in bad health!! I hope the operations went well! And wishing your strength to cope with it all.
    And you’re right you definitely need good food to help you through the bad times and this is as good a comfortfood as they can get! Hugs for you!

    Reply
  33. Gourmet Chick says

    March 11, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    Sorry to hear about your Dad but I agree that food can be a real comfort.

    Reply
  34. Denise | Chez Danisse says

    March 12, 2011 at 1:52 am

    I’ve often heard that seeing food as a comfort is a bad thing, but here is an excellent example of it being a good thing. I can’t help but see food as a solution or cure to so many situations, a way to cheer someone up or help them feel loved, safe, and comfortable. It runs in my family. I hope you enjoyed your comfort food and I hope things improve for your family soon.

    Reply
  35. Johanna GGG says

    March 12, 2011 at 3:38 am

    Sorry to hear about your dad – and how much harder is it when you are so far away. I think you are right that having had a great holiday with him is worth a lot and he probably would prefer that you saw him laughing and enjoying life with you than stuck in a hospital bed – best wishes for his operation and I hope you will have the chance to spend more time with him soon

    Reply
  36. ChefBlogDigest says

    March 13, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    A good physical therapy for your dad will do him good…BTW, thanks for the cottage pie recipe.

    Reply
  37. Nic says

    March 14, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    Sorry to hear about your dad’s fall, sending good thoughs your way and hope he’s on the mend soon.
    The cottage pie looks perfect for this dreary, damp weather. A great winter warmer, for sure!

    Reply
  38. Kitchen Butterfly says

    March 15, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    Jeanne, it is well. I am glad you got to spend time with him and I truly hope all turns out well. You’re in my thoughts

    Reply
  39. Tara says

    March 16, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Much love to you and your family at a difficult time. It’s so hard to be so far away when things go wrong. You are in my thoughts xx

    Reply
  40. John Box says

    November 26, 2011 at 11:20 am

    Sorry about your dad, and your cottage pie reminds me of my dad. The times we used to make cottage pies are the most fun and wonderful moments in my life.

    Reply
  41. Suzanne Prezioso says

    August 21, 2013 at 6:26 am

    Just a question. Is mince ground beef? Also can you give the measurements in ounces?
    Thanks, Suzanne

    Will offer prayers to your Father for a successful surgery and recovery.

    Reply
    • Jeanne says

      August 21, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Suzanne – yes, beef mince in indeed ground beef/hamburger, and I have now updated the recipe to include US measurements 🙂 Happy cooking!

      Reply
  42. cheryl sovich says

    June 8, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    just looking for this simple recipe – i feel the pain of your DAds story

    Reply
    • Jeanne says

      June 9, 2014 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you Cheryl – much appreciated. I hope you also enjoyed the recipe – it is one of my go to recipes when I need comfort food.

      Reply
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1 Tbsp shelled pistachio nuts
1 Tbsp dried cranberries 
2 small apples
175g plain yoghurt
Honey
Pomegranate rails

Mix the oats, seeds, nuts and cranberries together then add the milk/water and a pinch of salt. Mix well, cover and refrigerate overnight. 

When ready to serve, grate the apples and mix them in with the oats and yoghurt (add a little extra milk to loosen if needed). Stir in honey to taste and serve topped with pomegranate arils and pistachios. Full recipe and more photos are available now on the blog - click the live link in my profile.

Did you try any fakeaway recipes over lockdown? Please let me know in the comments - I would love to hear about it!
Me, turning around and walking out on 2020 like a Me, turning around and walking out on 2020 like a bad romance...

And while we are on the topic, can I still get a refund on the first week of 2021? Not sure it was fit for purpose... 🤣 Either way, I am putting on my brightest dress, fixing my eyes firmly on the future and walking purposefully towards it (bottle of wine optional but always welcome!). 

I don't make resolutions at new year, but I have been thinking about what positives I want to carry forward with me as I walk away from the car crash of a year that was 2020. For me, some big positives have been:

* Working from home, in terms of increased flexibility, increased productivity and increased visibility - I definitely hope never to have to work in the office 5 days a week again. 
* Better and more regular exercise. I ran 585km in 2020, probably as much as in all previous years put together - let's see what I can do in 2021!
* Better connection  and more video calls to faraway friends and family. Why have I not always made video calls?? 

I don't think we need to even mention the many negatives of the last year, but I am curious to know if you took any positives away from 2020? Let me know in the comments 🙂

Onwards and upwards!
One last look back at the kettle of crazy that was One last look back at the kettle of crazy that was 2020 before we dive headlong into 2021... 

I am guilty of not posting as much as I would have liked to in 2020 but as it turns out, I find it hard to be on social media much if I am not in a good headspace. Who knew... 😜 A lot of my posts were memories of previous trips but a huge thank you to you all for indulging my travelstalgia (if that is not a word, it should be!), coming along for the ride, liking, commenting, and sharing your thoughts. 

So I give you my #topnine2020 posts, in order of most likes over the past year. Left to right, starting top left, we have The Shard in London; my sesame ginger Brussels sprouts; Keukenhof garden tulips; Christmas at London's Spitalfields market: Carcasonne; my sticky plum upside-down cake; Singapore shophouses; Grenada harbour; and a raspberry & hibiscus G&T.

Here's to making new memories in 2021, and wishing you all a year of abundance x
So how was your Christmas day yesterday? In this So how was your Christmas day yesterday? 

In this year that has been so hard on so many people,  I hope you had somebody to share it with; enough food to feel replete; and warm place to eat. I know it was  not the Christmas that we all wanted, but it was definitely the Christmas that reminded us to count our blessings. 

One of the blessings at my table was one of the best Brussels sprout recipes I have ever had - roasted sprouts with chorizo, hazelnuts and thyme - and with only 4 ingredients, so simple to make! Trust me, you want to bookmark this one 🔖

For 4 people you need:
* 500g trimmed Brussels sprouts 
* 75g chorizo, chopped
* 15g hazelnuts
* sprig of thyme
* vegetable oil

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Halve each sprout lengthways and toss the sprouts in enough oil to lightly coat. Arrange on a baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 15 mins or until outer leaves start to brown, then turn over and roast till cut sides just start to colour (about 10 mins). 

2. While the sprouts are roasting,  toast the hazelnuts in a large dry pan over medium heat till light brown, remove and roughly crush.

3. In the same pan, fry the chorizo  till it starts to release its oil, then remove sprouts from the oven and add to pan. Mix well.

4. Tip sprouts into a serving bowl and top with hazelnuts and thyme leaves. Serve hot.
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoug "The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius

I think we can all agree that 2020 was not the year that we ordered and was a really difficult year for almost everyone (other than maybe Jeff Bezos...).

I could so easily dwell on all the things I have found hard this year - being separated from my family in South Africa and no realistic hope of seeing them anytime soon; no travel since Oct 2019; the social isolation of living alone in a pandemic; having friends fall ill with Covid; and the huge anxiety brought on by the uncertainty of everything and the complete inability to plan anything (hard for a planner and control freak!).

But as the quote says, think dark thoughts and your soul ends up dark. So I have chosen to dye my soul in the bright colours of things I am grateful for instead: a rewarding job that i can do remotely; amazing friends to Zoom or call around the world; a house of my own that I love; a beautiful running route minutes from my door; and a strong, healthy body.

What colour are you dyeing your soul in this Christmas?

🎄🎄🎄
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Jeanne Horak is a freelance food and travel writer; recipe developer and photographer. South African by birth and Londoner by choice, Jeanne has been writing about food and travel on Cooksister since 2004. She is a popular speaker on food photography and writing has also contributed articles, recipes and photos to a number of online and print publications. Jeanne has also worked with a number of destination marketers to promote their city or region. Please get in touch to work with her Read More…

Latest Recipes

Plate of potted smoked salmon with slaw and a glass of champagne
bowls of pistachio pomegranate bircher muesli
Brussels sprouts with chorizo & hazelnuts
Plum upside down cake
plum flapjack crumble
Sesame ginger Brussels sprouts
Jersey-royals-salmon-salad2 © Jeanne Horak 2019
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