Lancashire hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a dish consisting essentially of lamb or mutton, 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 industrialization 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.
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 made up of meat, vegetables (carrot, turnip, potatoes, onion or leek) then covered with sliced potato or pastry. Sometimes lamb kidneys are included in the dish. As much food can be added as will fit in the pot.
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.
The hot pot
The hot pot referred to is a brown pottery dish with straight sides used to cook casseroles in British cuisine. The basic recipe once included oysters, but increasing cost brought them out of common usage. Pickled red cabbage or beetroot are often served as an accompaniment. In some areas Lancashire cheese is also served with the dish.
Cultural references
It is (as "Betty's hotpot") also associated with the Rovers Return pub in the soap opera Coronation Street. 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.[1]
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!"
"Lancashire Hotpot" is also the name of a new novel written by Robin Drinkall. The book is available at Lulu.com.
