Shepard's Pie

Have you been looking for me?  Well, this year started off with both the kids sick!  The weather here is really cold, stormy and raining.

I have so much to share with you. I made this Shepard's Pie for Christmas dinner and everybody loved it..  

Shepard's Pie is actually made with Lamb obviously, but I have ever so often made it with beef.

Originally Shepard's Pie use to be made from left over meat and veggies, some times even left over mashed potato after a big festive dinner.

What better way to use up left overs then to make a completely new and delicious dish like this? 


Serves 4

Here's what you will need:

For the filling
500grams mince meat (lamb or beef)
2 tbsp oil (canola or olive) 
1 large onion
1 mince garlic (medium)
2 tbsp flour
1 large carrot grated or diced
3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 cup green peas
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup stock (chicken, beef or vegetable) or water
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste.

Mashed Potatoes
800 grams potatoes
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated + 1 tbsp for sprinkling on top
4 tbsp Cheddar or (Emantle) + plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling on top (chopped)
3 tbsp sour cream
3 tbsp butter
3 to 4 tbsp milk (if needed)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste.


Method:

Saute the onions and garlic in oil for 2 to 3 minutes. 

Add meat.. cook until browned.

Add flour and carrots

Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, paprika,  salt and pepper.

Stir well and cook for five to seven minutes more..

Add stock - the flour will thicken the sauce.

Add peas and parsley - cook for two minutes more.. 

This is the consistency I prefer. Some like it more liquid and bubbly. My kids don't like the sauce oozing out from the sides of the baked pan.
To make a more bubbly pie --- Just add 1/2 cup water or stock more.
 

Pour the sauce in the baking dish that will accommodate the filling and the mashed potatoes. 

You can prepare the filling ahead or time and set aside.  OR
you can simultaneously bring the potatoes to a boil and cook until tender but not mushy.
About 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 190C / 380 F

Drain and place them hot in a bowl. 

Add butter, Parmesan, half the cheddar, sour cream, salt and pepper.
Use a Potato masher to mash it all up. I leave some chucks of potato in there too.
Alternatively, you could put the potatoes thru a ricer and then add the ingredient and blend.

Add parsley - the potatoes should look like this.. not too droopy. If needed add 2 to 3 tbsp of the milk. 

Time to assembly and bake. 
Place the mashed potatoes over the minced meat filling using a tablespoon. 

Then use the back of the tablespoon to spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the balance cheese over and bake in a preheated oven at 190 C/380 F for about 35 to 40 minutes.

And that's how my baked Shepard's Pie looks.
If you have used the option with more liquid  then you will have the sides all bubbling around with juices.
The bubbling juices are lovely but my kids don't fancy it yet. But do try it, it's delicious.

Well, I was hoping for a better picture of the cut pie... but... you know how good food disappears once served..

And that's all from me for today. Do try this recipe and let me know what you think. 


Thanks for stopping by.