Have you heard of shepherd’s pie? This dish originates from Great Britain. It contains two layers, originally lamb (hence the reference to the shepherd) mixed with a few veggies and a layer of mashed potatoes. This is then baked in the oven and some cheddar melted and browned on the top. This is definitely comfort food and not only delicious in winter. We ate this pie for Easter, I did use minced lamb and mixed it with a bit of minced beef. However, if you make the pie entirely with beef, this would be considered a cottage pie. This pie can easily be made in advance and also freezes nicely. If you freeze it, it will need much longer when baked. I truely enjoy making this in advance all stress-free.
I will say it up straight, this pie does require quite a bit of work. You will need to prepare the lamb, you will peel potatoes and then mash them, all of this needs to be baked, and then finally you can dig into it. You can make the pie in advance until the baking point. This is my preferred way of doing it, as you can attend to guests or do other things will it bakes. My husband and me enjoyed this dish immensely. I was extra proud, I usually prefer baking to cooking and this turned out beautifully.
This classic shepherd's pie can be made either with minced lamb or beef and contains a cozy thick layer of mashed potatoes on the top. For the extra kick, it is served with melted cheddar. For the lamb layer peel and cut onions and carrots. Add a bit of oil to a large frying pan and fry for a few minutes until the onions are translucent. Take out of the pan, increase heat and brown the minced meat on pretty high heat. Once done, add the onions and carrots back and reduce heat again. Peel and cut the garlic, add to the mix. Add the tomatoe paste and stir, wait for it to caramelize a bit. Add soya sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a bit of broth and wine and stir. Wait for the liquid to evaporate. Now add broth and wine, little by little, stir and wait for the liquid to evaporate before adding the next batch. Do so until you have no broth or wine done. Season with the herbs listed above to taste. I needed about 45 minutes from start to finish. Either transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish or keep in frying pan if ovenproof. Meanwhile peel potatoes for mashed potatoes. Cut into pieces and cook for about 15 minutes or until tender, drain, and add all ingredients except for cheddar and parsley, mash. Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the lamb layer. You may use a fork to create some nice patterns such as waves. Bake for 15 minutes on lowest rack, then take out, sprinkle the cheddar on top and change oven function to a broil. Broil for about 5 minutes on medium rack, be sure to keep an eye on it, mine was done after four minutes. Wait for the cheese to melt and for it to have a golden color. Serve with freshly cut parsley.Classic Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
Instructions
No Comments