Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie or Cottage pie is a savoury casserole, layered with cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked. This dish is traditionally made with lamb but American’s prefer it with beef instead.

I was introduced to this dish by one of my friend when I was in Canada. I enjoyed the dish and tried it of my own. My husband loved it and it’s now become one of his favorite dish. 

Here is a basic recipe for a simple ground lamb Shepherd’s Pie.

Things you need:
1.   1 kg - ground lamb/mutton
2.   1 big onion chopped
3.   1-2 cups of vegetables (chopped carrots/peas/corn kernels)
4.   1 kg potatoes
5.   8 tablespoons butter
6.   1 teaspoon Worcestershire/ Soya sauce
7.   1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs mix
8.   Salt & pepper for per taste

Preparation:
1.   Peel and quarter potatoes boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes)
2.   While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 Tablespoons butter in large frying pan
3.   Sauté onions in butter until tender over medium heat (10 mins). Now add the cut vegetables
4.   Add ground lamb and sauté until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire/ Soya sauce and finally add Italian herb and mix well
5.   Add half a cup of lamb broth or water and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more broth/water as necessary to keep moist
6.   Mash potatoes in bowl with remainder of butter, add a pinch of salt & pepper and mix well
7.   Place the lamb and vegetable mix in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes evenly on top
8.   Rough up with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. You can use the fork to make some designs in the potatoes as well
9.   Cook in 200 degree Celsius oven until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes)
10.      Broil for last few minutes if necessary to brown.
11.      Serve Hot

[Recipe courtesy – Simple recipes]