Mince quantity question (stretching and portion sizes)?

snozberry

I second red lentils - they are fab!

craigywv

i gree red lentils

VfM4meplse

Or you could perhaps try the supermarket method and add horse?

Tillytrotter1

Thank you for the quick replies. I have some red lentils in the cupboard so will try these.

Lilyplonk

Do you add veg to your cottage/shepherds pie base? Those can also help to 'pad out' the basic ingredients. I usually put peas/carrots/sometimes diced swede/occasionally leeks in with the basic mix - top with mash - then serve with something green (sprouts/cabbage etc).

Always handy if you can get a 'veg pack' from the supermarket - especially at a reduced price. These are worth buying even when you're not planning on using them immediately - just prep and freeze for when you need them.

As long as there's a 'balance of colours' I'm happy with the appearance.

Red Lentils and/or Pearl Barley are standard additions to absolutely any stew/casserole type meal in my home.

DundeeDoll

I often add a tin of baked beans

tibawo

I have been using some soya mince mixed in with all my other normal ingredients... No one has noticed the difference.

Better for the diet and my purse!

krlyr

I padded out the last batch of bolognese and chili I made with some red lentils and also some blended carrot. Couldn't taste either in the final product, but stretched the portions to an extra meal from each.

I've used oats in the past, though I only added a handful. No taste from that either, though I have heard people say that too much can turn it into bolognese flavoured porridge!

I tried bulking with quorn mince twice..never again! I'm not a fan of mushroom anyway, but thought it was more the texture than the taste. Could definately taste the difference though, even after hours of cooking alongside the regular mince.

Another idea to pad out the meal could be to serve with more sides. I serve a big portion of veggies with cottage pie, or we have half a tin of beans each. With bolognese etc., HM garlic bread can be cheap but fill you up too.

sooty&sweep

Hi

I also often add a tin of baked beans

Jen

daisiegg

I have never bulked mince out with oats or lentils but I do stretch mince very far by adding loads of vegetables ( makes it healthy too!). So loads of onion, carrots and mushrooms at least and, depending on the dish, peps if it's chilli, maybe peas for shepherd's pie, etc...