Shepards Pie

Its a blessing to be surrounded by family who appreciate and encourage me cooking for them.

This, like most the stuff I make, is a direct result of all the food and gourmet telly shows we end up watching at home.

So here's a result of the experimenting. I present my version of Shepard's pie.


With crispy potato all the way round, tender juicy meat and veg in the middle this rustic dish also has a very good feel good factor to it. Combine it with garlic bread and sautéed veggies and you have a gourmet meal.



Ingredients for the mashed potato crust

Potatoes - 5-6 (med sized)
Cream - 1/4 cup
Milk - 4 tbsp
Butter - 50 gms
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste

Method

Boil the potatoes, then peel and mash. Pass through a sieve to get a silky smooth texture. Add milk, butter, cream, salt & pepper and beat together till mixed. Set aside.

Ingredients for the filling

Chicken / Lamb mince - 500 gms
Carrots - 2  (peeled and chopped fine)
Onions - 2 large (chopped fine)
Thyme - a couple of sprigs (2-3 tsp if you have the dried one)
Garlic - 2 tsp chopped
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Butter - 2 tbsp
Tomato Puree - 300 ml
Worcestershire sauce - 2 tblsp
Sugar - 2 tsp
Salt & pepper - To taste

Method
Sauté the onions, garlic and carrots with the olive oil and butter, until just staring to colour. Add the thyme and Mince. Cook till it changes colour and starts to release liquid. Add the tomato puree and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook till the meat is cooked (approx 20 min). Add salt, sugar and pepper. Taste and check. Cook till liquid evaporates. Set aside.

Take the pie dish. Lay the mince mixture in the pie dish. Top with the potato mash. Make a light chequered pattern on the crust with a fork.
Bake in a pre-heated oven till the crust turns golden brown.

The vegetarian version of the same dish may be made from soya granules. Soak the soya granules in warm water for 15 min. Take the granules out and squeeze out the excess water and the rest of the process remains the same.

Serve hot with garlic bread and sautéed vegetables.