Red Sky at Night Shepherd’s Delight

Unfortunately the red sky promise of warm days are still a long way off. So the doctor calls for hot and deliciously filling meals. The traditional shepherd’s pie (or cottage pie if lamb is your preference) is an excellent choice. The ingredient list may seem a little long but it’s actually a very simple dish to make and there will always be cries for seconds.

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tblsp olive oil
500g minced beef/lamb
1 tblsp tomato concentrate/paste
300ml (½ pint) beef stock
150ml (½ pint) dry white wine
3 heaped tsps cornflour
Salt & pepper

1-1 ½ kgs (2-3lbs) potatoes, chopped
90g (3oz) butter
300ml (½ pint) milk
30g (1oz) grated cheddar cheese
1 tblsp grated parmesan

Method

1. In a large pan bring the potatoes to the boil
2. In a separate pan, stew onion and garlic in the oil until soft
3.Add minced meat stirring constantly until brown
4. Add tomato paste, wine and half the beef stock
5. Mix cornflour with the rest of the stock, pour into the pan
6. Add salt & pepper
7. Simmer for 10 minutes
8. Spoon off any surplus fat
9. Drain the potatoes, return to the pan
10. Add butter and milk, mash until creamy (add extra butter and milk if needed)
11. In a large (or number of individual) oven proof dish, pour in the meat mixture
12. Cover with the mashed potatoes
13. Run a fork over the potato to make a ridged effect
14. Cover with the grated cheddar and parmesan
15. Bake for 10 minutes at 200°C/gas mark 6
16. Lower the heat to 180°C/gas mark 4, bake for a further ¾ hour

Serves : 6

Preparation time : 10 mins

Cooking time : 1 hour