Shepherds pie

In the Adelaide hills, where rolling hills meet vast expanses of farmland, access to locally sourced lamb and hogget is abundant. These pastoral landscapes provide the perfect environment for raising these animals, resulting in meat of exceptional quality and flavor. It’s amidst this backdrop that classic dishes like Shepherds Pie thrive. With its rich, savory filling and creamy mashed potato topping, Shepherds Pie embodies the essence of comfort food. As farm-to-table practices continue to flourish, these timeless recipes serve as a delicious testament to the enduring connection between land, livestock, and culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the meat filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, Drain the potatoes.
3. In the pot slowly heat butter and milk until warm, then return potatoes to pot.
4. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another minute.
8. Stir in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
9. If using peas, stir them into the meat mixture.
10. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
11. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the mashed potatoes, if desired.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

If you’re looking to explore more savory delights, why not venture into the world of Cottage Pie? Find the recipe here.
Or maybe you want to read up about our experience with sheep if so head here.