SHEPHERDS PIE
There are many versions of Shepherd’s Pie including the one my Grandmother Lily would make. Contrary to many recipes, the pie is made with ground or shredded lamb, hence the name ‘Shepherd’. Many recipes call for beef to be used but that dish is named ‘Cottage Pie’. Cottage pie is made with beef and rich brown gravy. Whichever way you like your pie, these dishes are wholesome and delicious and a great dinner entrée, especially in the wintertime.In the north of England and Scotland, it is a very popular and traditional meal. It was made to use up the leftovers of lamb and vegetables, nothing was wasted back in the day. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS for 6 people. I used the Mini Casserole Dishes to bake the pies and the size and amount were perfect!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3lbs Ground or Shredded Lamb
- 1 cup Beef Stock or Beef Gravy
- 2 large Carrots finely diced
- 1 large white Onion
- 1 small can Tomato Puree
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons Worcester Sauce
- 1 Garlic clove
- FOR THE POTATO TOPPING:
- 3lb Russet Potatoes
- 1 stick Butter
- 2 tablespoons milk if needed
- 1 1/2 Cups Colby Jack Cheese
- Salt & Pepper to taste
METHOD:
- Heat Electric Skillet to 350 degrees.
- Add Lamb, Carrots and Onion. Cook for 15 minutes or until browned. Add Salt & Pepper to taste.
- Add Beef Stock, Garlic, Worcester Sauce, Ground Cloves, Tomato Puree. Cook for about 10 minutes.( If you would like a thicker meat and gravy mixture, add 1- 2 tablespoons of corn starch to a little water and gradually stir in.)
- Turn off the heat and set aside – add frozen peas.
MASHED POTATO TOPPING:
- Peel Potatoes and add to a pan of cold water, just covering the top. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for about 15 minutes. Use a fork to check on the doneness. The fork should slide into a moderately soft potato.
- Drain and return to pan.
- Add butter and let it sit for minute.
- Mash Potatoes with potato masher. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
- With an electric mixer, mix the potatoes. If the consistency is too stiff, add a little milk or half and half.
ASSEMBLE THE PIES:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Fill each Pie Dish with the Meat Mixture.
- Using a large spoon scoop potatoes out of pan and place on top of the mixture. Spread evenly with spatula.
- Sprinkle with Colby Jack Cheese to your liking.
- Bake in pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
