shepherd’s pie with a crust

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food, traditionally made with a filling of ground or minced lamb, vegetables, and a rich gravy, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. Adding a crispy crust to the top of this dish is a delightful twist that enhances both flavor and texture. Here’s how to prepare a delicious shepherd’s pie with a crust:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground lamb (you can also use ground beef or a meat substitute)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crust:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

For the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground lamb over medium-high heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. If you’re using a substitute like beef or plant-based meat, cook it the same way.
2. Remove any excess fat from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are well-coated.
4. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes a rich gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

1. In a separate pot, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re tender. Drain the potatoes.
2. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until they’re creamy and well-seasoned. Set aside.

Assembling the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the meat and vegetable filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them smoothly and creating a neat top layer.
4. Roll out the sheet of puff pastry and place it over the mashed potato layer. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
5. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg, which will give it a beautiful golden-brown finish.
6. Make a small slit in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden.
8. Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Shepherd’s pie with a crust is a comforting, hearty dish that combines a savory meat and vegetable filling with creamy mashed potatoes and a crispy, flaky crust. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the rich and delicious flavors of this classic comfort food!