Feeds 4

Ingredients

100g margarine
2 large bunches spring onions
550g small chestnut mushrooms
1 tbsp cornflour
½ tsp yeast extract
300-350ml light ale
210g ready-rolled puff pastry
800g floury potatoes, peeled
100ml unsweetened milk or soya milk

Method

Preheat an oven to Gas Mark 6/200C/400F.

Melt 50g of margarine in a large non-stick frying pan. Roughly chop the bottom 7cm of the spring onions and sauté briefly. Save the tops as you will need them later.

Cut the mushrooms into 5mm slices and add to the pan. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes until starting to colour, stirring to prevent sticking.

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the cornflour. Once back on the hob, add the Marmite and ale. Cook for a further 5 minutes or until mushrooms begin to soften. Use more ale if the mixture seems too dry.

Divide the mixture into four small soufflé/ceramic pie dishes, then cut out four pastry circles to place on top, leaving some room to rise. Brush with milk or soya milk and make a small hole in the top to let the steam escape. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Cut the potatoes into large chunks and boil until soft but not falling apart. Drain and put back into the pan to dry slightly. Add the remaining 50g margarine and mash well. Finely chop the green tops of the spring onions and add, with enough milk or soya milk, to make a smooth mash.