A to Oui: H is for Hachis Parmentier

Hachis Parmentier is one of France’s great comfort foods—often described as the French cousin of cottage pie or shepherd’s pie.

Traditionally made with leftover roast beef… but let’s be honest, in 2026 who’s got leftover roast beef? Beef mince it is! 🇫🇷😂

Its name comes from Antoine-Augustin Parmentier (1737–1813), the man credited with convincing France that potatoes were safe, nutritious and worth growing. Hachis meaning chopped or minced.

This was a regular beef onion garlic and carrot concoction and beef stock - but I simmered it for ages so it was really rich and full of flavour. The potato topping was pretty decadent. May recipes had an egg yolk, butter and cream as well as cheese!! I had leftover Gruyere so used that. It definitely wasn’t healthy but it was delicious.