Cottage Pie "Pâté chinois"
Instructions
- 1
First, wash the potatoes and place them in a pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them cook until tender.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan and add the ground beef. Cook until it is nicely browned. Add the onions and the rest of the vegetables, and stir for a few minutes. Then add the tomato paste and all the spices, mixing well. Reduce the heat to low to medium and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
- 3
For the mashed potatoes, once the potatoes are fully cooked, peel them and mash them using a potato masher. Add the butter and continue mashing until it melts. Then gradually add milk, a little at a time, until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- 4
To assemble, spread a layer of the beef and vegetable mixture at the bottom of an oven dish. Add a layer of mashed potatoes on top, followed by another layer of the beef mixture, and finish with the remaining mashed potatoes. Smooth the top evenly, then sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs.
- 5
Place in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, then broil for about 5 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
- 6
Once done, set it aside for a few minutes before serving so it can settle and be easier to portion.