Lancashire hotpot
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Lancashire hotpot | |
| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Lancashire, England |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | lamb or mutton, onions, potatoes |
 Cookbook: Lancashire Hotpot  Media: Lancashire Hotpot | |
Lancashire hotpot is a dish made traditionally from lamb or mutton and onion, topped with sliced potatoes, left to bake in the oven all day in a heavy pot and on a low heat. Originating in the days of heavy industrialisation in Lancashire in the North West of England, it requires a minimum of effort to prepare.[1]
Preparation techniques
There are many regional variations. It is frequently found listed amongst the usual pub grub dishes in hostelries around Britain. The basic recipe consists of a mix of lamb and vegetables (carrot, turnip, potatoes, onions or leeks) covered with sliced potato. Sometimes lamb kidneys are included in the dish. Modern variants may use beef or bacon chops instead of lamb, or have a pastry topping. As much food can be added as will fit in the pot.
The traditional recipe once included oysters,[2] but increasing cost eliminated them from common usage. Pickled red cabbage or beetroot are often served as an accompaniment. In some areas Lancashire cheese is also served with the dish .
Flavouring
Flavour can be enhanced with seasoning; salt and pepper would be the most traditional, and any other ingredients available in the kitchen. Some stock is usually added to cover the contents while it cooks, though some recipes rely on a well-sealed pot on a low heat to retain enough moisture within the meat, onion and potato.
Etymology
It is often thought that the "hot pot" referred to is a pottery dish used to cook casseroles in British cuisine. However, it is more likely to refer to the idea of a jumble or hodge podge of ingredients in the filling.[3] Sir Kenelm Digby's 1677 The Closet Opened contains a recipe for "The Queen Mothers Hotchpot of Mutton".[4] Mrs Beeton's Cookery Book contains a recipe for "Hotch Potch", calling for neck of mutton, onion, carrot, peas, cauliflower, and lettuce.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ How to cook the perfect Lancashire Hotpot, 31 October 2013.
- ↑ Lancashire Hot Pot . Retrieved 22 October 2010.
- ↑ A Hodge Podge of Hot-pots, 31 May 2007.
- ↑ Sir Kenelm Digby (1677) The Closet Opened. H. Brome. Pages 144–145
- ↑ Mrs Beeton's Cookery Book (New ed.). Ward, Lock. 1930. pp. 84–85.
External links
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