In a delightful return to television, national treasure Mary Berry has shared her unique take on a beloved British classic, revealing one simple added ingredient that elevates the entire dish.
The Berry Twist on a British Staple
The culinary legend, now 90, treated BBC viewers to her reinvented cottage pie in the opening episode of Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking. The show, which draws recipes from her latest collection, featured this "hearty" and "comforting" family favourite with a clever twist.
While the recipe includes traditional elements like 1kg of diced braising beef and 250g of smoked streaky bacon, the standout modification lies in the topping. Berry abandons a plain potato mash in favour of a blended potato and cauliflower mash, creating a creamier, lighter finish that complements the rich stew beneath.
Building Layers of Flavour
The method, designed to serve six to eight people, begins by searing the beef in three tablespoons of sunflower oil. After setting the meat aside, two large onions and the bacon are fried, followed by 500g of chestnut mushrooms and three grated garlic cloves.
The deep, savoury base is built with three tablespoons of tomato purée, 175ml of red wine, and 450ml of beef stock. A key flavour enhancer is two teaspoons of redcurrant jelly, which adds a subtle sweetness. The stew is thickened with 55g of plain flour and simmered with three bay leaves for one-and-a-half to two hours in a 160C (140C fan) oven until the beef is tender.
The Secret in the Topping
While the filling simmers, the signature topping is prepared. 1kg of floury potatoes are boiled for 10-12 minutes before 350g of cauliflower florets are added for a further five to six minutes. The vegetables are then drained and mashed with three tablespoons of milk and a knob of butter.
Once the braised beef is spooned into a 1.75-litre ovenproof dish, the cauliflower-potato mash is piled on top, raked with a fork, and sprinkled with 100g of grated mature Cheddar. The pie is then baked at 200C (180C fan) for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Berry's recipe note suggests this innovative mash also "works beautifully with other slow-cooked dishes," making it a versatile technique for home cooks. The completed dish is served piping hot, ideally with a side of steamed vegetables, for the ultimate comforting family meal.
