Mashed Potato Pie with Ham, Peas, Cheese and Chives

We had a lot of leftover ham after boxing day and this is another recipe using up the leftovers. This was lovely and comforting. Proper comfort food! It felt a bit like when I was little and I used to mash my peas into my mash potato.

Mashed Potato Pie with Ham, Peas, Cheese and Chives (from The English Kitchen)
(Serves 4)

1kg of floury potatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp oil
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
100g frozen peas, thawed
30g butter
150ml milk
1 large egg, beaten
100g of thick sliced boiled ham, cut into thin ribbons
100g cheddar cheese, grated
small bunch of chives, chopped
salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 190C.  Grease a shallow baking dish with some softened butter. Set aside.

Peel and quarter the potatoes, if large.Bring the potatoes to the boil, add the bay leaf.  and boil until tender, drain well.

While the potatoes are boiling heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until browned. This should take 5 to 7 mins.

Drain the cooked potatoes, discarding the bay leaf. Mash, mixing in the butter, milk. Season to taste with some salt and pepper.

Beat in the egg and then stir in the cooked onions, peas, ham, chives and 3/4 of the cheese. Spread evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 35 to 40 mins until set and well browned. Serve.