Portuguese Empadão Vegetariano

Recommended by a friend, we had a go at this traditional Portuguese pie dish and it is definitely a new favourite in our house. A hearty and tasty meal, perfect to warm you up on a colder day!

For the base:

Your vegetable options are open here, and we have tried a few different versions depending on what we have in the cupboards. Beans, lentils, peas and corn work well, accompanied by carrots, greens and tomatoes. Use what you have and what you like! Chop everything small.

To the vegetables add:

• 1 chopped onion

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes / 3 fresh tomatoes.

• 1 bay leaf

• handful of fresh chopped parsley

• 1 teaspoon mustard (optional but adds flavour)

• salt and pepper to taste

Fry up the veggies chopped small in a little olive oil. When the onions have browned, add in the tomatoes and herbs, and leave to simmer. Meanwhile, prepare the topping.

For the potato topping you will need:

• Potatoes (peeled and chopped)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 egg yolks

• dash of milk

• handful of grated cheese

Boil the potatoes in water with a little salt until soft. Drain the water and mix in the butter, egg yolks and milk until you have a creamy mashed potato.

Transfer the base vegetables into a casserole dish and then top with the potatoes. Sprinkle over the grated cheese and place the dish in the oven, allow to bake for around 30 minutes until the top turns golden.

A filling and comforting meal! One large casserole dish will easily serve 6 people.