Instructions

1. 1
   Heat oil in a pan and brown the mince. Where lean meat is used, there may be no need to use additional oil.
2. 2
   Finely chop the onion and lightly fry in a little butter with a small amount of salt until clear.
3. 3
   Add the onions to the mince, mixed herbs, and some pepper.
4. 4
   Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stir, and cook for 3–4 minutes (if using gravy powder, omit this step).
5. 5
   Cover with lamb or beef stock (or add water and beef bouillon/gravy powder) and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Test the savoury mince for seasoning. If gravy is not used, additional salt may be needed.
7. 7
   Meanwhile:
8. 8
   — Peel, chop and boil the potatoes for 20 minutes until cooked.
9. 9
   — Once the meat is cooked, skim off the excess fat, then reduce the savoury mince until the liquid is level with the mince and onions.
10. 10
    — Drain the potatoes until completely dry. Mash until smooth and free of any lumps.
11. 11
    — Add butter to the mashed potato, taste and add seasoning as required.
12. 12
    — Slowly add milk whilst mashing until the mash is soft and creamy (heavy mash will not float properly on top of the mince).
13. 13
    Put mince mixture in a shallow oven-proof dish.
14. 14
    Layer the mash over the meat and brush the tops of the potatoes with melted butter.
15. 15
    If desired, sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the mash.
16. 16
    If cooking without cheese, rough up the surface of the mash by dragging a fork across it, as if ploughing a field.
17. 17
    Bake in a hot oven for about 30–50 minutes until the top is golden brown.
18. 18
    Serve with peas or beans, or other green vegetables.