Mashed Potato Pie with Ham, Peas, Cheese and Chives

It's no secret. I have a meat and potatoes man for a husband. All I need to do to make him happy it to cook him some meat and potatoes.



I like to be a bit more inventive though . . . I like to put a twist on the usual and make things a bit more exciting!



I think this simple, meat and potatoes dish falls within that category . . . it's humble enough to please Todd, and yet at the same time it's different enough to provide that little extra bit of interest I crave!



Plus it's economical and uses things that I normally have to hand. It's a great meal to have when you have some leftover ham that needs using up, or you can do as I often do and just buy some thick sliced ham at the deli counter.




Either way it's a man pleaser, or at least it is for my man, and that's what counts!



*Mashed Potato Pie with Ham, Peas, Cheese and Chives*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This is a nice light supper dish, served with buttered bread and pickled beets. Rich potatoes, tasting of cheese, ham, peas and chives, soft and creamy on the inside, with a lovely crunchy outside. Todd loves this.

1 kg of floury potatoes (2 1/2 pounds)
1 bay leaf
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
100g frozen petit pois, thawed (about 1/2 cup)
30g unsalted butter (2 TBS)
125ml of whole milk (generous half cup)
125ml of single cream (generous half cup)
1 large free range egg, beaten
100g of thick sliced boiled ham, cut into thin ribbons (3 1/2 ounces)
100g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated (3  1/2 ounces)
small bunch of chives, snipped with the scissors into bits
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/gar mark 5. Generously butter a 12 inch round shallow baking dish with some softened butter. Set aside.

Peel and quarter the potatoes, if large. Place in a large saucepan of salted water to cover. Add the bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then boil until tender. Drain well.

While the potatoes are boiling heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until browned. This should take 5 to 7 minutes.

Drain the cooked potatoes wel, discarding the bay leaf. Mash, mixing in the butter, milk and cream. Season to taste with some salt and pepper. Beat in the egg and then stir in the cooked onions, peas, ham, chives and 3/4 of the cheddar cheese. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set and well browned. Serve hot or warm.

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