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Pimped Up Shepherd’s Pie

INGREDIENTS

For the Lamb Filling:

  • 500g lamb mince
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato purée
  • 150ml red wine (optional for a richer taste)
  • 300ml lamb or beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves only
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pimped-Up Mash:

  • 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 100ml warm milk
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 50g grated mature Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
METHOD

  1. Preheat the Oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Prepare the Lamb Filling:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, sautéing until softened.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding the lamb mince. Cook until browned.
    • Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it reduce slightly.
    • Add the lamb or beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
  3. For the Mash:
    • Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well and return to the pot.
    • Add the butter, warm milk, and egg yolk, mashing until smooth. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the Pie:
    • Spoon the lamb filling into a baking dish. Top with the mashed potato, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create ridges on top.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
  5. Serve:
    • Let the Shepherd's Pie sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a little fresh thyme or rosemary for a touch of green.

Shop for Ingredients

Yorkshire Lamb – Mince – 500g

£9.50


Sides

Shepherd's Pie, with its rich lamb filling and creamy potato topping, pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides a that complement its hearty, comforting nature. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables and Salads

  • Buttered Peas: Simple and classic, their sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory pie.
  • Honey-Roasted Carrots: Their caramelized exterior and tender interior offer a sweet counterpoint.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned, they add a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With a bit of char and crunch, they provide a robust side that stands up to the pie's richness.
  • Cabbage Salad: A light, tangy cabbage salad can cleanse the palate and balance the meal.

Breads

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any gravy or juices, adding a textual contrast to the soft filling and topping.

 


Other Suggestions

Pairing ingredients with Shepherd's Pie can turn a hearty dish into a well-rounded meal. Here are some ingredients that pair exceptionally well:

Vegetables

  • Green Beans: Lightly steamed or sautéed with garlic, green beans offer a crisp contrast.
  • Carrots: Roasted carrots bring out their natural sweetness, complementing the savory pie.
  • Peas: Fresh or minted peas add a pop of sweetness and color.
  • Leafy Greens: A side of sautéed spinach or kale can balance the richness with their earthy flavors.

Salads

  • Simple Green Salad: A salad dressed with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness with its acidity.
  • Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from red or green cabbage provides a crunchy, fresh contrast.
  • Beetroot Salad: Its earthy sweetness pairs well with the lamb mince.

Breads

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the gravy, adding texture and richness.
  • Yorkshire Pudding: Though unconventional, it can soak up the flavours and add a British twist.

Herbs and Spices

  • Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs complement the lamb beautifully when used in the pie or in side dishes.
  • Mint: Fresh mint, especially in a salad or as a garnish, can add a refreshing note.

Sauces and Condiments

  • Chutney: A fruit chutney, such as redcurrant, can add a sweet and tangy element.
  • Gravy: Extra gravy on the side for those who prefer their pie even juicier.

Cheese

  • Cheddar: A sharp cheddar, grated over vegetables or included in mashed potatoes, enhances the dish's creaminess.
  • Parmesan: Sprinkled over roasted vegetables for an umami kick.

 

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Preparation Time: 30 min
Cooking Time: 30 min

Hot Tips

Enhance the Flavor of the Lamb:

  • Browning the lamb mince properly is crucial. Take the time to sear it until it's nicely caramelised, as this deepens the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Consider marinating the lamb mince with herbs and garlic a few hours before cooking, if time allows, to infuse additional flavours.

Pairings

Red Wine

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Its full-bodied nature and tannic structure can stand up to the richness of the lamb.
  • Merlot: Offers a smoother, fruitier option that complements the savoury meat without overwhelming it.
  • Pinot Noir: A lighter red that pairs well with the herby and meaty flavours, adding a delicate touch to the meal.

Beer

  • Stout or Porter: The roasted flavours in these beers echo the caramelized meat, enriching the overall taste experience.
  • Brown Ale: Its malty sweetness and slight bitterness balance the savoury aspects of the pie.
  • Pale Ale: For those preferring a lighter beer, a pale ale can cleanse the palate between bites with its hoppy finish.

Cider

  • Dry Cider: The crispness and slight acidity cut through the richness of the pie, offering a refreshing contrast.
  • Traditional English Cider: Provides an authentic pairing, especially if you're enjoying a British culinary theme.

Non-Alcoholic Options

  • Sparkling Water: A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch, making it a palate cleanser between bites.
  • Ginger Ale: The spice from the ginger offers a nice contrast to the hearty, meaty flavours.