Shepherd's Pie
is a classic comfort food dish originating from the United Kingdom. It typically consists of minced meat (traditionally lamb, but beef is also commonly used) topped with mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. Here's a simple Shepherd's Pie recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the filling:
- - 500g minced lamb or beef
- - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- - 1 large onion, finely chopped
- - 2-3 carrots, diced
- - 1 cup frozen peas
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- For the mashed potatoes:
- - 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- - 1/4 cup milk or cream
- - 2 tablespoons butter
- - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Start by making the filling. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced lamb or beef to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
4. Stir in the diced carrots, frozen peas, and minced garlic. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to the pan, mixing well with the meat and vegetables.
6. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, add the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat.
7. While the filling is simmering, prepare the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
8. Add milk or cream and butter to the potatoes. Mash everything together until you achieve smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the cooked filling to a large oven-proof dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling, starting from the edges and working your way towards the center. Use a fork to create decorative patterns on the surface of the mashed potatoes.
11. Place the Shepherd's Pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown and slightly crispy.
12. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Shepherd's Pie is delicious on its own but can be served with a side salad or green vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your homemade Shepherd's Pie!
