Get ready to wrap your taste buds in a cosy blanket of deliciousness with lamb and lentil cottage pie! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with its hearty blend of ground lamb, lentils, and veggies snuggled up under a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes. The flavours are fantastic, with each bite delivering a comforting explosion of savoury goodness. Whether you're feeling homesick for classic comfort food or just craving something hearty and filling, this dish will surely hit the spot. So, grab your fork and dig in – your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oil

150g button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

400g lamb mince

400g can diced tomatoes

1 cup red lentils, rinsed

1 cup beef stock

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Potato topping:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup tasty cheese, grated

30g butter

1 egg yolk



Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200C and lightly grease a 2-litre ovenproof dish.

2. Heat oil in a large saucepan on high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, carrot, zucchini, and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender. Transfer to a bowl.

3. In the same pan, brown the mince for 4-5 minutes, breaking up lumps with the back of a spoon as it cooks. Stir in tomatoes, lentils, stock, cumin, and paprika. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes.

4. Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish.

5. For the potato topping, place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook covered for 10-15 minutes until very tender. Drain well, then return the potatoes to the pan. Mash with milk, cheese, butter, and yolk until smooth. Season to taste.

6. Spoon the mashed potato over the lamb mixture in the ovenproof dish. Swirl a fork through the potato to create a decorative pattern. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the potato topping is golden.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Optional Extras:

- Add some crunch by sprinkling crushed corn chips over the top.

- Add a hint of sweetness by topping it with a drizzle of honey.

- Add some zing to the dish by adding a few dashes of hot sauce.