The key to a great Shepherd's pie is the rich filling, achieved by browning the lamb mince and adding diced vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Here's my recipe for Shepherd's pie.
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Category
Dinner
Servings
8
Prep time
30 minutes
Cook time
1 hour 30 minutes
The key to a great Shepherd's pie is the rich filling, achieved by browning the lamb mince and adding diced vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Here's my recipe for Shepherd's pie.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) lamb mince
- 2 brown onions, finely diced
- 3 carrots, finely diced
- 2 sticks of celery, finely diced
- 2 corn cobs, kernels removed
- 5 cloves garlic, finely diced
- small bunch of rosemary, finely chopped
- small bunch of thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 12 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
- 2 kg (4.4 lbs) potatoes, suitable for mashing (e.g., Sebago)
- 100g (3.5 oz) butter
- 100ml (3.5 fl oz) milk
- handful of panko breadcrumbs
- 30g (1 oz) Pecorino cheese, grated
- salt to taste
Directions
Heat a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add one-third of the lamb mince with a pinch of salt. Cook until browned, then stir and remove from the pan. Set aside and repeat with the remaining mince.
- Return the pan to high heat. Add onions and carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, and celery, and continue to stir well. Then, incorporate the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the cooked lamb back to the pan along with the chicken stock. Season with salt, if needed, and simmer on medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes. Add the corn kernels in the last two minutes and stir through.
- While the meat simmers, place peeled potatoes in cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 25-30 minutes. Mash the potatoes using a masher or ricer, then mix in the butter and milk until well absorbed.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the cooked meat mixture to an oven-safe dish approximately 30 x 25 cm (12 x 10 inches). Top with mashed potatoes, creating peaks for crispy edges. Sprinkle with Pecorino cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
