Sunday roasts are the perfect way to spend the end of your weekend. After all, what's better than a plate piled high full of meat, roast potatoes and gravy? But did you know, if you have leftovers, there's a perfect recipe you can follow to utilise all the yummy goodness in the following days?
So, if you do have leftovers from a roast and you're looking to make them sing, rather than slinging them in the bin, air fryer expert Clare Andrews has just the recipe for you. And it'll serve four people.
She said: "We love a Sunday roast in our house, it really is one of the highlights of our week, and the leftovers are just as good. I always make sure I make the most of each roast dinner, with as little waste as possible.
"And this comforting leftover roast pie is the perfect way to give yesterday's chicken, pork, beef or lamb a second lease of life, using up your spare veggies, gravy and mashed potato in one easy, family-friendly dish.
"It's simple, budget-conscious and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without starting from scratch. This recipe is totally flexible. Use whatever cooked meat you have, mix and match vegetables, and don't worry about exact quantities, it's really all about making the most of what's already in your fridge."
Ingredients (serves 4)- Approx 350-400g leftover cooked roast meat (chicken, pork, beef or lamb), chopped or shredded
- Approx 200-300g leftover cooked vegetables (such as carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage, parsnips or green beans), chopped
- Approx 200-250ml leftover gravy (meat or vegetable)
- 1 tsp fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary or sage work well)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Approx 600g leftover mashed potato (or freshly made mash)
- 25g butter, optional
- 30g grated cheese, optional (cheddar works well)
1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the leftover meat and vegetables. Pour over the gravy and stir gently to coat everything evenly. If the gravy is very thick, add a splash of water or stock so the mixture is moist but not runny. Season with herbs, salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the pie: Spoon the filling into an air fryer/heat-proof dish that fits your air fryer basket. Smooth the surface.
4. Add the topping: Spread the mashed potato evenly over the filling. Use a fork to create peaks; this helps the top crisp up. Dot with butter and sprinkle with grated cheese if using.
5. Cook: Air fryer: Cook at 180°C for 18-22 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is piping hot.
6. Rest and serve: Allow the pie to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve on its own or with extra gravy on the side, or some chunky bread to soak up the gravy.
Tips and variationsRoast chicken works beautifully with thyme and a splash of cream stirred into the gravy. Beef or lamb pairs well with rosemary and a little red wine gravy if you have it.
Leftover stuffing can be mixed into the mash or sprinkled on top for extra crunch. This air fryer leftovers pie proves that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated, just clever, thrifty and full of flavour.
Clare's book The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15 Minute Feasts is out now on Amazon, and you can see more recipes on her website.
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