A simple kitchen hack has been revealed to elevate the classic cottage pie, with a surprising ingredient that many households already have in their cupboards. Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, suggests adding tomato ketchup to the filling to enhance the dish's flavour profile.
According to Morley, ketchup brings sweetness, tanginess and umami to the pie, creating a more balanced and savoury taste. 'Key to depth of flavour in your cottage pie,' she explained. The condiment cuts through the richness of the gravy, resulting in a more rounded and moreish dish.
The tip has garnered praise on social media, particularly on Reddit, where users have shared their enthusiasm. One commented: 'Ketchup with cottage pie is nice. I have ketchup with cold lasagne too.' Another added: 'It works for me. So does adding brown or Worcestershire sauce. Not at the same time though.'
For those whose gravy feels flat or lacking in oomph, stirring in a squirt of ketchup can make a noticeable difference. Morley, who also previously shared a tip for perfecting shepherd's pie, recommends mixing it straight into the sauce or mince mixture.
The hack is particularly convenient as most households already have a bottle of ketchup on hand. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest swaps can transform a beloved British staple.
