Who wants a Shepherd’s pie? Everybody seems to be waving their hand in my family. There are many variations for Shepherd’s pie and every different recipe has its own unique taste. Since it’s made with lamb mince it’s called the Shepherd’s Pie and if you want to prepare it with beef then it’s called the Cottage Pie. The cheesy potato mashed topping is what makes this more and more enjoyable. Shepherd’s pie base sometimes look very ugly chunky dry but I want it to look more pleasing to the eyes along with its delicious taste. Here goes my version for the Shepherd’s Pie.

Ingredients:-

1. Medium onions peeled and finely chopped – 2 nos.
2. Tomatoes diced                or puree- 2 nos. or half cup.
3. Minced Lamb – 650 to 750 Gms (approx.).
4. Bell peppers roughly chopped – half Cup.
5. Butter- 2 Tablespoons.
6. Mixed Herbs – half Teaspoon each. (Oregano, Thyme, All Spice).
7. Bay Leaf – 1 no.
8. Cinnamon – 1 inch stick.
9. Worcestershire Sauce – 2 Tablespoon.
10. Red Wine – 50 ml. (optional)
11. Cayenne pepper /chilli flakes– 2 Teaspoon.
12. Ginger chopped – 2 Tablespoon.
13. Garlic Crushed – 4 Cloves.

For the Mashed Potatoes:-

1. Potatoes Boiled and Mashed – 500 Grams.
2. Cheese – 100 Grams.(crumbled)
3. Milk – half cup. (Hot).
4. Butter – 3 Tablespoons or 50 Grams.

Method:-

•  Preheat Oven and butter a bake proof pan.
•  Sauté Onions in Butter till soft and golden. Add mince lamb and stir fry with onions till brown. Season well with salt and pepper.
•  Add all the spices and mix well. Then add ginger, garlic, tomatoes and roughly chopped bell peppers.
•  Add the wine, sauce and mix well on low heat till the mince is almost done.
•  Take a Pan and melt the butter for the mashed potatoes. Stir in the potato mash with butter till all mixed well. Keep on mixing on a very low flame till the water content has slowly evaporated from the mash. Add the cheese and hot milk to it, Mix well until it turns creamy.
• Take the bake proof pan. Spread the entire mince lamb and bake at 200 degree Centigrade for 10 min. Take it out and spread the potato mash on top of the mince. Bake well for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are slight crisp and starts bubbling from sides. Serve hot with toasted bread, buttered beans and peas with your favorite salad.

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