When I think of comfort food, on the top of my list is Shepherd’s Pie. A classic American dish, which has been around since the late 17th century. It can be made with lamb or beef as the meat base with a beautiful mashed potato crust. Just delicious! Inspired by Gordan Ramsey’s world famous Shepherd’s Pie, here is my sister’s fabulous recipe. Get cooking everybody 🙂

Time: 

• Prep time – 10 minutes
• Cook time – 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• Ground Lean Beef – 500 g
  • You can substitute with ground lamb; I prefer beef
• Tomato Paste – 1 tbsp
• Large Yellow Onion (Grated) – 1
• Garlic Paste – 2 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 4 tbsp
• Dried Thyme – 1 tsp
  • You can substitute with 1 tbsp of fresh thyme
• Dried Rosemary – 1 tsp
  • You can substitute with 1 tbsp of fresh rosemary
• Carrot (Grated) – 1
• Peas – 1/4 cup
• All purpose flour – 1 tbsp
• Chicken Stock – 250 ml
• Medium Sized Potatoes (Boiled and Mashed) – 4
• Egg Yolks – 2
• Unsalted Butter (Melted) – 1 tbsp
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated) – to sprinkle on top
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a pan add some oil. Once hot, add the grated onions and garlic. Saute for 5 mins
2. Add the ground beef and break it down until it has no lumps. Saute for 10 minutes while breaking it down
3. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Saute for a minute
4. Add the all purpose flour and after a minute add the carrots and peas
5. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Saute for 2 minutes
6. Add the chicken stalk and cook until the mixture is a thick gravy
7. Pour this into a greased baking dish and let it cool for a few minutes
8. In a separate mixing bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, grated cheese, egg yolks, butter, salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all till smooth
9. Layer the mashed potato mixture on top of the minced meat in the baking dish and seal the meat in completely, so it’s nice and moist
10. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top
11. Bake in an oven at 400 F for 20 min or until top is golden brown
12. Once complete, take out of the oven and let it cool for ten minutes before serving. Enjoy 🙂