Dinner For The Workers (Meat)

Member Name: milmol

Product:	Meat
Date:	29/06/02 (330 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Tasty, home cooked and brilliant for those busy but hungry days.

Disadvantages: None

I call this ‘Dinner for the workers’ because after a 10 hour shift, both hubby and I are usually starving and don’t feel like slaving over a hot stove. Now we could use the local takeaways, of which there are plenty, but there is only so much take away a person can stomach.

Its basically ‘Sheppard’s Pie’, but if you ever buy one from the supermarket and compare it with this one, no contest. This recipe is easy and delicious and made in batches to freeze for those working days. It’s an easy no fuss recipe that a beginner could follow.

Buy 2lb of lean mince, ok I know I should be metric, but the butcher still understands me this way. Prices vary but my butcher charges approx £2.00 for this amount of mince. Brown the mince over a low heat in a large saucepan. Do not add any oil or fat as there will still be enough in the mince to stop it sticking. While the mince is ‘browning’, chop one large onion into small pieces and add to the pan. Stir frequently to ensure all the meat cooks, to stop it from sticking and to break the clumps of mince into small pieces. When the meat has changed from a red colour to brown, remove from the stove. Take the pan lid and carefully drain any fat from the pan. I suggest you do this into a dish or something you will throw away like a tin can. Try to refrain from doing it over the sink as although it seems a good idea at the time, it can block the sink and you will regret it later. Likewise, it may seem a good idea to pour it directly down the drain outside the kitchen window, but if you own a dog it will spend the next 6 hours licking the grate clean, not a pretty sight.

Next take some gravy granules such as bisto beef ones. I add 8 teaspoon of granules to a large jug, then pour on 1 pint of boiling water, mix briskly with a fork or whisk to prevent lumps. Beware if you have a gluten intolerance as some contain Wheat Flour, Bisto Best Gravy Granules are wheat f
ree and suitable for people with Coeliac Disease. Add the gravy to the mince and return to a low heat, simmer gently for 20 mins.

While the mince is simmering, peal 5lb of old potatoes, I know new ones are in seasons but you can still buy old ones if you try. My local greengrocer charges 75p for a 5lb bag. Cut into pieces approx 2inch squares and bring to the boil. Boil for approximately 20 minutes or until soft to touch with a knife or fork. Then mash with a small amount of butter, I don’t add milk as I like the mash not to be too sloppy but everyone has their own taste.

Once the meat has cooked, take some small individual type dishes; these can be bought from most kitchen shops for around £1.50 each. Spoon the mince and onion with a slotted spoon and let the gravy drain from it. If you put gravy into the dishes the mash becomes sloppy. If you will be eating any of the pies that day you can reheat the gravy later, if not the dog will appreciate it on her dinner. Then spoon some mash potatoes onto the top of the mince and onion. Take a fork and run it along the mash, making pretty tram lines or whatever your artistic talents dictate. There should be enough for 8 small individual dishes. Allow the pies to cool and then place into freezer bags, then freeze. The total cost for 8 pies, including electric and gravy granules will be approx £3.00. If there are two of you this means 4 meals at 75p per meal.

The night before a busy day, remove 2 pies from the freezer and place on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Now the fun part. Arrive home from work, hungry and weary. Before removing your coat, turn the oven onto 180. Next boil the kettle for a well-earned coffee. While the kettle is boiling (and still wearing your coat) lay the table. Then pour your coffee and leave to cool. By this time the oven will be hot enough to place the pies in, put in the middle of the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes.

Run into the bathroom, d
ropping your coat in the hallway on the way. Remove all clothes and shower. Quickly dress and return to the kitchen in time to drink your coffee, which should now be at just the right temperature. Take a jug and put in 4 teaspoons of gravy granules ready to make when the pies are cooked. You should then have just enough time to open a tin of peas, carrots, or sweet corn and gently heat before the buzzer tells you dinner is served. Spoon the Sheppard’s pie onto a warmed plate, serve with the tinned veg and pour over the instant gravy. If you’re really hungry serve with several slices of bread, also nice with HP brown sauce.

Once eaten, place the crockery in the dishwasher and retire to the lounge with a nice glass of whatever. Believe me, after a long hard shift this is a tasty and nutritious meal. It’s also very cheap to make and very filling. Happy cooking.

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