Traditional Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
The comforting gratin of French winters, named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, the man who popularised the potato in France: a layer of minced beef simmered with onion, garlic and tomato, topped with creamy mash enriched with egg yolks, all gratinéed with cheese. Simple, generous, loved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Original recipe : Les pommes de terre (CNIPT)
Ingredients
- 600 g potatoes
- 600 g minced beef
- 1 onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 ml crème fraîche
- 100 g grated gruyère
- 30 g butter
- Parsley
- Nutmeg
- Salt, pepper
Method
- 1Peel the potatoes, cut into chunks and boil about 14 minutes in salted water.
- 2Slice the onion and soften in a little olive oil over medium heat.
- 3Add the minced beef, crushed garlic, chopped tomatoes and parsley. Season and cook, breaking up the meat.
- 4Mash the potatoes with the butter and cream, stir in the egg yolks, season with salt and nutmeg.
- 5Preheat the oven to 210 °C (410 °F).
- 6Spread the meat in a gratin dish and the mash on top.
- 7Scatter with gruyère and bake at 210 °C 20 minutes until golden.
- 8Serve hot with a green salad.
Tips & tricks
- Use floury potatoes (bintje, agria) for a melting mash.
- Raking the mash with a fork multiplies the golden ridges.
- Egg yolks make the mash richer and better-set.
Variations
- With shredded duck confit for a south-west version.
- With chopped pot-au-feu leftovers, as originally made.
Storage
3 days refrigerated; freezes very well in portions.
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter : coconut oil, plant-based margarine or nut butter (dairy-free / vegan).
- Eggs : apple sauce (50 g per egg) or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water.
- Cream : soy, oat or coconut cream.
- Ground meat : cooked lentils, textured soy protein or chopped mushrooms.
What to serve it with
- A dressed green salad
- Fresh bread or a starchy side
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A wine matched to the dish (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Traditional Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)"?
Allow about 30 min of prep and 40 min of cooking, i.e. 1 h 10 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it's an "Easy" recipe: perfect for beginners, with no special technique required.
Can I make "Traditional Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)" ahead and store it?
3 days refrigerated; freezes very well in portions.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
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