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Nigella Lawson's genius mashed potato alternative has fans obsessed

Nigella Lawson has endless culinary tricks up her sleeve - and one of our absolute favourites has to be the Nigella: At My Table star's easy alternative to mashed potato.

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Mash is such a British cooking staple, whether you're pairing it with a pie and gravy or meat and veg. So if you're after a simple substitute that doesn't require the long cooking process of peeling and boiling potatoes, check out Nigella's recipe.

Last October, Nigella shared a photo of what appears to be a cheesy, creamy bowl of mash. She explained: "#RecipeOfTheDay is Mock Mash.

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"I call it that as it’s a near-instant substitute when you feel like the comfort of mash, but lack the energy to make it. It’s like cheesy buttery polenta, only made with semolina, which may sound offputting, but it is divine!"

The 60-year-old TV star was quick to reassure her fans, who weren't convinced by the idea of eating a dish predominantly made out of semolina.

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"I know this sounds spooky - to those of us reared on semolina pudding at school, even those among us who have affection for the memory - but this is more wonderful than you could imagine," she wrote on her website.

Nigella shares her mash alternative on Instagram

"It's as fast as it is easy to whip up, so I wouldn't prepare it in advance," Nigella continued. Considering it takes just over five minutes to make, there's no need to!

Fans were quick to notice one particular ingredient – the yellow tin of butter from Burro Soresina. "That butter is just the most delicious thing," one commented, while another remarked: "The tin of butter is my new heart’s desire."

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nigella

Nigella's mash substitute uses semolina as the main ingredient

A third delighted fan noted how convenient the recipe was for time-poor people, adding: "Perfect after a hectic day. Your recipes are appropriate for every occasion."

Other ingredients include full-fat milk, freshly grated nutmeg, semolina, grated parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste. It may sound like a controversial dish, but we have a feeling it will be a winner with her followers – we're certainly very intrigued!

Nigella is no stranger to unusual recipes, previously causing a stir when she revealed she uses banana peel for "texture" in her flavoursome banana skin and cauliflower curry.

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nigella-cook-eat-repeat-z (1)

The Nigella: At My Table star is no stranger to unconventional recipes

In the spirit of not wasting food, Nigella advised Cook, Eat, Repeat viewers to chop up discarded banana skins and add them to a simmering turmeric and cinnamon curry sauce, giving the dish depth of flavour and texture.

Most viewers admitted they were sceptical, but many more vowed to try the unusual concoction. "Still trying to get my head around the banana skin addition but will give it a go!", one fan tweeted. Another wrote: "Loved your new programme, fascinated by the banana skins".

READ: Nigella Lawson's hack for using up stale bread is such a winner