Lancashire hotpot
 Lancashire hotpot |
|
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Lancashire, England |
| Details | |
| Course | Main course |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredient(s) | lamb or mutton, onions, potatoes |
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. It is sometimes served at parties in England, because it is easy to prepare for a large number of people and is relatively inexpensive.
Contents |
Preparation techniques [edit]
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,[1] 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 [edit]
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.
The hot pot [edit]
The hot pot referred to is a pottery dish used to cook casseroles in British cuisine.
Cultural references [edit]
- Coronation Street character Betty Turpin (portrayed by Betty Driver) was famous for her version of the dish which was served in the fictional Rovers Return Inn. A frozen food range has been endorsed by Betty. In 2008, British food retailer Tesco called Lancashire hotpot one of the most endangered recipes in British cuisine.[2]
- It is available as a meal in the 24-hour field ration pack used by the British Army.
- The dish is referred to in the Wallace and Gromit film A Grand Day Out: "Hold tight, lad, and think of Lancashire hotpot!"
- It is also referred to in the Michael Caine film Alfie about one of his "birds" who can cook, but her only dishes are "Lancashire hotpot and steak and kidney pie."
- In Dean Spanley, Peter O'Toole's character (Horatio Fisk) persistently requests hotpot for dinner, to the chagrin of his housekeeper.
- In Jeffrey Archer's novel First Among Equals, the character Joyce Gould cooks herself a Lancashire hotpot "but only pick[s] at it" while waiting to hear the outcome of an important committee vote.
- The 1958 novel Runway Zero-Eight by Arthur Hailey and John Castle includes a British character, a passenger on the flight, who goes by the nickname "'Otpot", which he explains is a reference to "Lancashire 'Otpot".
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Lancashire Hot Pot . Retrieved 22-10-2010.
- ^ Epicurious article, 2008.
