Shepherd's Pie with European Thassos PGI olive oil

Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie: Shepherd's pie is made with minced lamb or mutton, while cottage pie is made with minced beef.

Both are topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.

Shepherd's Pie:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (you can also use ground beef or a combination of both)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• European Thassos PGI extra virgin olive oil for cooking

For the mashed potatoes:

• 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Start by making the mashed potatoes:

   • Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water.
   • Boil them until they are fork-tender, usually for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
   • Add the butter and milk, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

3. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a little European Thassos PGI extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

4. Add the minced garlic and ground lamb to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. If there's excess fat, you can drain it off.

5. Stir in the tomato paste and flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and frozen peas. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

7. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. The size of the dish will depend on the quantity you're making.

8. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture. You can use a fork to create ridges on the top of the potatoes, which will become golden and crispy in the oven.

9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the filling is bubbling.

10. Allow the Shepherd's Pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of green beans or a salad.

Enjoy your homemade Shepherd's Pie with European spirit !