Certainly! Let’s dive into the Southwestern Shepherd’s Pie recipe in detail. This dish promises to bring together spicy flavors with the comforting elements of a classic shepherd’s pie, all cooked to perfection in a crock pot for ease and depth of flavor.
Southwestern Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Name: Southwestern Shepherd’s Pie – Crock Pot
Cook Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | dried chili peppers |
| 2 | onions, chopped |
| 1 | garlic clove, minced |
| 2 tsp | cumin seeds |
| 2 tsp | dried oregano |
| 4-5 dashes | ground cinnamon |
| 1-2 tsp | salt |
| 2 dashes | ground allspice |
| 2 | jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped |
| 1 | lime, zest and juice |
| 1/2 lb | sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed |
| 1/2 cup | butter |
| 1/2 cup | brown sugar |
| 4 cups | pork, cubed |
| 2 tbsp | vegetable oil |
| 1/2 tsp | black peppercorns |
Instructions
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Prepare Chilies: In a heatproof bowl, soak the dried chili peppers in boiling water for 30 minutes. Drain, discard the soaking liquid and stems, pat dry, chop finely, and set aside.
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Brown Pork: Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer browned pork to the crock pot using a slotted spoon.
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Saute Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the frying pan and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chopped jalapeno peppers, cumin seeds, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, black peppercorns, and reserved chopped chilies. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in lime juice and lime zest.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauteed mixture over the pork cubes in the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
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Prepare Sweet Potato Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Assemble and Cook: Spread the sweet potato topping evenly over the pork mixture in the crock pot.
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Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and the mixture is hot and bubbling.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 369.8
- Total Fat: 21.8g
- Saturated Fat: 8.1g
- Cholesterol: 83.6mg
- Sodium: 413.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 23.1g
Description
This Southwestern Shepherd’s Pie combines the robust flavors of southwestern spices with the heartiness of pork and the sweetness of a brown sugar and butter-infused sweet potato topping. Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of spice in their meals, this dish balances heat with the creamy comfort of sweet potatoes. Ideal for a cozy brunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is designed to be affordable and easy to prepare using a crock pot, ensuring tender, flavorful results every time.
Keywords
One Dish Meal, Yam/Sweet Potato, Pork, Potato, Vegetable, Meat, Canadian, Spicy, Savory, Brunch, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Tips for Success
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Soaking Chilies: Ensure the dried chili peppers are properly soaked and chopped finely to distribute their spicy flavor evenly throughout the dish.
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Browning Pork: Take your time to brown the pork cubes well before transferring them to the crock pot. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the final dish.
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Sweet Potato Topping: Adjust the sweetness of the topping by tasting and adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southwestern Shepherd’s Pie hot, straight from the crock pot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Southwestern-inspired twist on classic shepherd’s pie offers a delightful combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or preparing a hearty dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to impress with its aromatic spices, tender pork, and creamy sweet potato topping. Embrace the ease of slow cooking with this crock pot recipe and enjoy the mouthwatering results of a dish that celebrates both spice and sweetness in perfect harmony.
