Irish Shepherd’s Pie
Here is another traditional Irish dish, modified for easier preparation. Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty one-dish meal traditionally prepared with lamb or game birds; the tougher meat is shredded or sliced thin and pot-roasted until tender. The broth is thickened, and then the pie is made with any in-season vegetables and some mint or rosemary leaves.

By modifying, you can use almost any meat or combination of meats, including hamburger or ground turkey. Use canned gravy or cream soups instead of thickened broth. The mashed potato topping is great for using up leftovers, or you can use instant mashed potatoes if you prefer. Below is the favorite variation in my family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
• ½ onion, chopped fine
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1-1/4 lbs lean meat, any combination of beef, pork, and/or lamb
• Mint, rosemary, basil, salt, pepper to taste – Mrs. Dash is good too
• 1 Cup frozen vegetables of your choice
• 1 can cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup with ½ can of water
• 3 Cups mashed potatoes
• ½ Cup grated mild Cheddar cheese
• 1 egg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet, saute the carrots and onion in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Add the ground or thinly sliced meat and cook for 10 minutes. Drain any accumulated fat. Season as desired. Stir in the frozen vegetables. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Add soup and water, stir well. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

3. While the beef mixture bakes, prepare the mashed potatoes. Add cheese and egg and whip well. Spoon the mashed potato topping over the meat mixture, spreading it out so that it is even.

4. Return the dish to the oven and bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and brown. You may also brush the potatoes with an egg and milk mixture, if desired, and broil for about five minutes. Potatoes will be a rich golden brown when done.

This dish can be made early and reheated if desired. Serve with a salad and hot rolls.