Tesco Orchard Review: Summer Fruit and Veg - Carrots and Peas

When Tesco asked me to try their fresh summer fruit and veg range I noticed a lot of it was on 3 for the price of 2.  Having already picked up some carrot spaghetti I decided to try their freshly packed peas and carrots.   I'll admit I'm not the best when it comes to buying fresh food but carrots are one thing I will buy, all be it, these are normally whole carrots that I prepare myself.
  Peas, unless in pods or sugarsnap, are generally bought frozen.

I chose to use this fresh veg to make a cottage pie.   I'm sure everyone knows what this entails but in case you don't.


Take 500g of mince, beef, turkey or lamb and brown.

Drain the excess fat off and add gravy.  I tend to use a stock pot and a sachet, something similar to the Schwartz Shepherds Pie Casserole Mix as it adds a really great flavour.


Add half the carrot and peas mix to the mince and gravy and bring to boiling.

Whilst this is happening boil and mash some potatoes, I like to add a dash of nutmeg to this.

Place the mince in an ovenproof dish and top with the mashed potato.  Sprinkle with cheese and cook until re-heated and brown.

Serve (we like to add more cheese!).

For picky boys who don't like peas and moan whenever I serve up mince, they polished off 2 bowls each, and I had to agree, it tasted far better then frozen veg and was much quicker to prepare, however at £1.25 a bag it's much cheaper to buy whole carrots.

Disclaimer:  I was given money off vouchers enabling me to get the above product for less as part of the Orchard at Tesco Programme.  The thoughts and opinions remain my own.