Rachel Allen’s tasty pies

As Rachel Allen gets all nostalgic, she has some comforting, delicious pies, topped with the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potato

Let’s face it, we all love a hug. If that hug doesn’t come from a person or a friendly pet, then isn’t the next best thing the kind of hug that goes straight to our belly to warm and nurture us?

A potato-topped pie is one of those supremely comforting and restorative dishes. A meal in one, it’s neither too challenging to make, and definitely not a challenge to eat. Quite the opposite, in fact. A metaphorical big cuddle on a plate.

We all know that food is incredibly evocative. A certain flavour, texture or even aroma can bring you back to a time, good or bad, that you thought had long gone from your subconscious mind. A creamy chicken pie topped with fluffy mashed potato is a blast from the past for me, and it’s something I still enjoy eating now.

Whatever you’re topping with mashed potato needs to be a bit saucy, so to speak. Meat, fish or vegetables in a herbed creamy sauce or a slightly thickened gravy are my favourites for a family meal at this time of year.

Tarragon is a herb that adores chicken, and the two work a treat in this pie, pictured above right. Buy the best chicken that you can, then make sure to use the carcass in a stock for full value. If you are one of the many who loves a good old classic shepherd’s pie, then here’s a recipe for you, far right, that comes with lots of comforting hugs.

“A meal in one, a potato-topped pie is neither too challenging to make, and definitely not a challenge to eat”