Put the potatoes in a large pan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Once boiling turn down to a simmer until soft, around 25 minutes. While that's happening, prepare the veg and sauce
Melt the butter in another pan, add the chopped vegetables and bouillon and cook until slightly softened, 5 - 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the flour and stir in well
Gradually add the milk, stirring all the time until a nice thick sauce is formed around the veggies (you can add more milk if it's too thick or more flour mixed with a little milk first if its too thin). Taste to see if you'd like more bouillon added or other seasonings, season with salt and pepper and place in a large ovenproof dish
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash with some butter, milk and salt & pepper to taste. Snip the chives into the mash with a pair of kitchen scissors, mix in and then spread the mash evenly on top of your vegetables & sauce
Place in a preheated oven at gas 6 / 200C / 400°F for about 20 minutes or until browned as much as you like
This is a really versatile dish, you can add anything you like. Chunks of chicken & bacon are good, even a fish mix such as salmon and white fish with some smoked added in. Add some herbs & spices, make the sauce cheesy, leave it plain, the choice is yours! Good base recipe
