Friday, January 28, 2011

Shepherd's pie!!

My first recipe post...one of my hubby’s favourites! ...

This dish is as interesting as it sounds……It’s is an English dish, traditionally made with lamb or mutton. Essentially a casserole, lined with cooked meat and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and cheese…and baked



Here is a basic recipe for a Shepherd's Pie. 

Preparation Time : 15 mins
Cooking Time : 25mins 
Servings : 4-5


You need: 
2 tbsp sunflower/ olive oil 
2 bay leaves                                                         
1 onion, finely chopped 
2 green chillies, finely chopped(optional)
450gms minced lamb 
2-3 carrots, peeled and cut into rounds                   
1 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)
1 tsp black pepper powder 
salt to taste
2 tbsp of maida 
300ml chicken stock 
1 tbsp tomato puree 
2-3 potatoes
2tbsp butter 
4-5 tbsp milk 
50 gms cheddar cheese, grated
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp red chilli flakes

Step by step:

  •  Heat the oil in a pan and add the bay leaves. Add in the onions and fry till it gets a dark pink colour. Then add the green chillies, lamb, and carrots and continue frying for 8-10 minutes or until the mince turns brown. We don’t have to wait for the mince to be fully cooked as we’ll bake this dish further.
  • Add the salt, cumin powder,pepper powder and stir. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 3 - 4 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and tomato puree. Cook until the mixture thickens. In the meantime, peel and boil the potatoes. Mash the potatoes with the butter and milk.
  • Preheat the oven at 200 degree C. When the lamb mixture is thick, transfer it into an oven proof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly and top it with the cheese. Sprinkle red chill flakes and dried oregano. Bake the pie on the center rack of your oven for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Serve hot with garlic bread. 

                                       



Try it while the weather's still cold......an amazing dinner surprise!!!

 Yours Tastefully!!

9 comments:

  1. Delicious as it looks!! And a great way to show off ur cooking skills!! Wishing u all the grills and Bakes!! Looking forward to many more lip smacking recipes!! Bon Appetite!!

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  2. Wow! Looks Yumm. Shepherd's Pie goes all the way back to the 18th century, when frugal wives came up with a creative way to serve left over lamb meat from the previous day. A dish originally from Northern England and Scotland where the sheep are in plenty. I wonder if it would be as delicious if it is made with slight variations like maybe add italian herbs, or may be with a mediterranean twist? Would like to give it a try sometime. Great effort Binitha! Keep them coming....

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  3. Thanks a ton Rohini....idea is to start with at least one recipe a week...keep a track:)

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  4. Arabhi, I read a lot about Shepherd's pie...and saw variations too....so wanted to try it my way and give a chance for other's to try it too:)thanks a ton for your support...need loads of them:)...follow me:)

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  5. optional: you could skip the green and red chilli, and use black pepper instead for a more mellow alternative. or add chopped celery along with the onions.

    great effort bini, keep them coming. i'll be following you, that's for sure! :)

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  6. @Mridu: well, more of my version chechi.....I've actually tried with green chillies and/or pepper...actually depends on whether Shlok's eating it or not:)...and the red chilli floakes was only for the looks....but celery will be a good try:)....thanks a ton chechi!!

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  7. You are right. Red chilli flakes apart from the flavor creates such a pretty picture. You have made the recipe seem very simple. Like your version. :)

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  8. @Sangu: It is quite simple like I was trying to tell a friend of mine....it's worth a try:)

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