Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett has shared two simple cupboard ingredients that can elevate a classic cottage pie. Speaking on the Dish from Waitrose podcast, she revealed that adding Marmite and Worcestershire sauce intensifies the meaty flavour of the dish.
Hartnett was cooking a recipe from former Great British Bake Off star Martha Collison, which she described as "the best". The chef explained that these secret additions really enhance the taste, making the pie more flavourful.
The revelation has proved popular online, with Hartnett's video amassing over 138,700 views and 5,266 likes. Commenters shared their own tips, with one saying they use Marmite, Worcestershire sauce, HP sauce and beef Oxo cubes, while another noted that Marmite works well in any beef dish.
To recreate the recipe, brown beef mince in batches, then sauté onion, carrot and celery. Add blitzed mushrooms and tomato purée, deglaze with wine, and return the mince with stock, Marmite, Worcestershire sauce and a bay leaf. Simmer for ten minutes before topping with mashed potato, cheese and butter, then bake until golden.
