Embark on a global culinary adventure with Shepherd’s Pie, a hearty dish that has won hearts (and stomachs) around the world! This recipe offers a unique French twist on the classic, incorporating flavorful ingredients and a delightful mashed potato topping.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- French Influence: This Shepherd’s Pie takes inspiration from French cuisine, featuring a rich and flavorful ground meat filling with a touch of sophistication.
- Customizable Comfort: Feel free to adjust the vegetables and spices to your taste preference.
- Twice the Delight: This recipe provides enough cheese to make two Shepherd’s Pies, perfect for sharing or enjoying leftovers.
- Mashed Potato Perfection: The creamy mashed potato topping adds a comforting and familiar element to this international dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Savory Filling:
- Potatoes (amount not specified, but enough for a baking dish) – You’ll need enough potatoes to create a layer that covers the bottom of your baking dish.
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- Bacon (amount not specified, chopped)
- 1 Carrot, chopped
- 1/2 Red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Italian pepper (any green or yellow bell pepper will work), chopped
- 500-600g Minced meat (ground beef, lamb, or a combination)
- 200g Tomato sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Dried onion flakes
- Dried pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Dried garlic powder
- Dried rosemary
- For the Creamy Mashed Potato Topping:
- Cooked and mashed potatoes (enough to cover the filling in your baking dish)
- Spring onion (scallions), chopped (optional) for a touch of fresh flavor
- 1 Egg, beaten – This helps bind the mashed potatoes together for the topping.
- 100g Cheddar cheese, grated (adjust based on how many dishes you’re making)
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispier topping)
Instructions:
(You can refer to the original recipe for the step-by-step instructions)
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Prepare the Filling: Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bacon in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until softened. Brown the minced meat and crumble it into the pan.
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Flavor Explosion: Stir in the tomato sauce, seasonings (salt, pepper, dried onion flakes, dried pepper flakes, dried garlic powder, and dried rosemary), and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Preheat the Oven: While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
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Mashed Potato Magic: Prepare your mashed potatoes according to your preferred method. If desired, fold in chopped spring onions for an extra pop of flavor.
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Assemble the Pie: In a baking dish, spread the cooked meat filling. Top it evenly with the mashed potatoes.
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Optional Crispy Topping: For a touch of extra texture, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the assembled Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy! Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with a French twist!
Conclusion:
This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a testament to the exciting possibilities that arise from global culinary influences. So ditch the ordinary and explore the world on your plate with this unique and flavorful dish!