Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
Description: This Shepherd’s Pie recipe offers a delightful twist by incorporating pork, although traditionally made with lamb. Embrace the “English way” as endorsed by an X-mother-in-law, rendering a Welsh-European fusion to your table in less than an hour. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack, this one-dish meal combines savory meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Potatoes |
| – | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 3 | Cooked lamb |
| 1 | Butter |
| 1 | Milk |
| 2 | Cheese |
| 1/4 | |
| 3 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 630.6
- Fat Content: 31.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 140.2mg
- Sodium Content: 407.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 46.9g
- Fiber Content: 5.5g
- Sugar Content: 3.4g
- Protein Content: 40.4g
Cooking Instructions:
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Preparation: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender, as if preparing mashed potatoes. Peel and finely chop the onion.
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Sauté Onion: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned.
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Cook Meat: Peel and mince the garlic, then add it to the pan along with the cooked lamb. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often, until the meat is heated through and infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and onion.
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Mash Potatoes: While the meat mixture is cooking, mash the boiled potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble Pie: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer the cooked meat mixture on top of the potatoes, then spread or pipe the remaining mashed potatoes over the meat layer.
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Add Cheese: Grate cheese over the top of the pie, and dot with additional butter for extra richness.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish.
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Optional Garnish: For an added touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Tips:
- Meat Choice: While lamb is traditional, feel free to experiment with other meats such as pork or beef for a personalized twist.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils or a meat alternative for the lamb, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for added flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the Shepherd’s Pie in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining guests.
- Freezing: Shepherd’s Pie freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals. Simply portion the cooled pie into individual servings, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- Customization: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
With its comforting flavors and satisfying textures, this Shepherd’s Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or served at a casual gathering with friends, it’s a versatile dish that never fails to impress. 🥧🍽️
