Come to the Cottage (Pie)

Often, cooking for one means something quick and simple. A big salad, maybe, or a simple stir-fry of vegetables and rice. Something bright, energizing, non-taxing. But sometimes, even when it’s just me, I want a supper that satisfies in a deeper way—and by deep, I mean sinking deep into my easy chair as I click “Next Episode” on whatever series I’m watching at the time. A supper like cottage pie.

But when I think of cottage pie (or shepherd’s pie; what you call it depends mostly on how and where you first encountered it), I think of a heavy concoction in a deep baking dish, flavorful meat filling on the bottom topped by a layer of buttery mashed potatoes. The compellingly browned casserole bubbles on the edges as it comes out of its oven. And then at the table, a big reveal—the first scoop of mashed potatoes gives way to the savory treasure inside and everyone sighs in anticipation. This is a dish for a crowded table of hungry souls.