Lancashire Hotpot

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Lancashire Hotpot

Lancashire hotpot is a culinary dish consisting essentially of meat, onion and 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 and is a delicious and filling dish. It is sometimes served at parties in England, because it is easy to prepare for a large number of people and is relatively inexpensive.

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 made up of meat (for example, chunks of beef in the Lancashire Hotpot or lamb and kidneys in a Yorkshire Hotpot) with vegetables (carrot, turnip, potatos, onion or leek) then covered with sliced potato or pastry. As much food can be added as will fit in the pot.

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 usualy added to cover the contents while it cooks, though some recipes rely but a well sealed pot on a low heat to retain enough moisture within the meat, onion and potatoes.

The hot pot referred to is a brown pottery dish with straight sides used to cook casseroles in British cuisine. The basic recipe formerly included oysters at one point, when they used to be more affordable. Pickled red cabbage is often served as an accompaniment.

[edit] Trivia

Lancashire hotpot is frequently referred to in the popular television soap opera, Coronation Street.
In the Aardman animated short film "A Grand Day Out", as Wallace and Gromit are escaping the moon, Wallace advises Gromit to "Hold tight, lad, and think of Lancashire hotpot!"