Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Who doesn't love the comfort of a warm, flavorful meal? Shepherd's pie is a dish that brings together simple yet delicious ingredients to create a truly comforting meal. This recipe, inspired by the culinary traditions of many cultures, is perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something special. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a shepherd's pie with garlic mashed potatoes that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients needed:

*For the garlic mashed potatoes:*
- 1 kg white potatoes
- 100 g butter
- 7 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Ground nutmeg (to taste)

*For the meat filling:*
- 500 g beef (diced)
- 5 tablespoons Costa D'Oro olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 large carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 jar of basil pasta sauce (400 g)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- 250 ml cooking cream

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Boil them in salted water. Make sure the water completely covers the potatoes for even cooking.

2. The garlic sauce:
In a saucepan, add the butter, cream, milk, and grated garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preferences. Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth sauce, but do not let it boil too long to avoid separation.

3. Boiling the potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cooked (about 15-20 minutes), drain them. It is essential that both the potatoes and the garlic sauce are hot when you combine them.

4. Preparing the mash:
Add the garlic sauce to the potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or potato masher until you get a creamy mash. If desired, you can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra flavor. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

5. Preparing the meat filling:
In a large skillet (preferably non-stick), heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Add the beef and let it brown for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown on all sides.

6. Adding the vegetables:
Add the sliced carrots, diced bell peppers, and grated garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let them sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. The tomato sauce:
Add the basil pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8. Assembling the pie:
Once the filling is ready, transfer it to a greased baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling and sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the mash becomes golden and slightly crispy on top.

10. Serving:
Serve the shepherd's pie hot, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This is a complete meal, full of nutrients and flavors!

Practical tips:
- Use high-starch potatoes for a creamier mash. White potatoes or those meant for mashing are an excellent choice.
- You can also add other vegetables like peas or green beans to diversify the filling.
- If you want to turn the recipe into a vegetarian dish, you can replace the beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms.

Nutritional benefits:
Shepherd's pie is an excellent source of protein from the meat, as well as vitamins from the vegetables. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, and garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, but the cooking time may vary.

- Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, shepherd's pie can be successfully frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Possible variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese on top of the mash, such as cheddar or mozzarella for an even more delicious crust.
- Add spices like sweet paprika or curry to the meat filling for an exotic touch.

This shepherd's pie recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table. Enjoy your meal!