October 2010 Grocery Challenge

Ok will have a go at quantities, although it just depends on what I have.
A medium onion, a large carrot, 1 stick of celery if it's there. For the mushrooms, 1 large field one, or say 5-6 chestnut. They can either be blitzed or chopped, but I do think the blitzing - of all the veg - adds flavour, as it gets the juices out, which then mix into the oil/stock etc.

Green lentils are meatier, you know how the red ones just sort of go mushy or dissolve, the green ones keep more texture - and go a sort of meaty colour. I cook them from dried but am sure a tin would be fine. I use a couple of handfuls. Green & red mixed would be fine too.
Don't think I'd waste wine on it tbh, although I add it to Bolognese whether veg or meat version.
Forgot to say, that would be for 2 of us.

Hippeechiq wrote: »

...
Made a Shepherdess Pie last night for tea - it's probably the fourth or fifth time I've made it, but there's no escaping it....it's boring and bland, and my least favourite tea of the month ...

anyone got any suggestions for pepping it up a bit please? ...

you've had a good response, we have a Lentil Shepherds Pie in the front page index too

I've also added Rose Elliot's Golden Lentil Soup to the front page index (still a little room left in the post!)

Hippeechiq wrote: »

Made a Shepherdess Pie last night for tea - it's probably the fourth or fifth time I've made it, but there's no escaping it....it's boring and bland, and my least favourite tea of the month, and I so don't want it to be, as I don't have many veggie meals, so really don't want to drop it from the menu. Last night I used Leek instead of onion, and it was even more bland than usual :rotfl: - anyone got any suggestions for pepping it up a bit please?

If you don't have time to make your own vegetable stock, then I have found using a good shop-bought one can add a lot of flavour. I use Marigold vegetable bouillon (they also do one with reduced salt which I wouldn't recommend in this case). For me, it is a false economy to use a cheaper stock cube because you get a depth of flavour from this stock and it's a good base for building any meal up. It's not hideously expensive but there are undoubtedly plenty of cheaper options out there.

You're already using black pepper, so apart from using a good stock, I would suggest adding a bit of Lee & Perrins, or possibly a teaspoon of Marmite, or some Tabasco or something fiery to give it a bit of a kick? Good luck.

JackieO wrote: »

Hi Chums aren't we all doing well this month I have only spent £1.55 so far this month and have had 6 NSDs.

That's fantastic! What a great start to the month. Well done you! :T

Thanks for the quantities Diflower and to everyone else who has kindly offered suggestions

Interesting that the green lentils go a meaty colour....whod've thought? I'm a bit new to lentils, so I don't know these things.

I got the delicious recipe below off here a few months back, I just checked in the recipe index and couldn't see it there, and it's soooo lush, it really should be shared. Could you add it please Rosieben?

CHEESE & LENTIL LOAF post 63

Thanks also for the pointer to Lentil Shepherds Pie in the index too, Rosieben

I love the idea of adding smoked paprika (which I have) and also chilli, although I already do a Spicy Mushroom & Bean Chilli so I don't want it to taste too similar, although I have mild and hot chilli powder, so maybe a little mild, with the smoked paprika would be a nice addition. That's a fab idea Cat72 - thanks

SalAmander - love your ideas too - why have I not thought of some of these things myself?! :doh: and I have to confess, I use Vegetable Oxo, which could well be the basis of the problem. I never make my own stock as I never have a whole chicken.

I've used Oxo stock cubes for years, and have even recently tried their jars of stock granules but the stock created from them never seems to taste of much anymore, as you say, there seems to be no depth of flavour, so changing to a new stock cube may well be the answer for improved flavour.

Thank you so much for everyone's responses

NSD here. Am pleased about that after my shaky start. I've checked last months figures and I'd spent roughly the same amount of money last month at this date too, so I've calmed down a bit now

And finally WTG JackieO! :T