My Favorite Winter Comfort Food – Shepherd's Pie

We have been blessed with unusually warm weather so far. It is only a matter of time before the cold snap arrives and what is better way to manage than make some great food.

I love all kinds of stews and creamed soups but my absolute favorite of late is Shepherd's Pie made with sweet potatoes. This dish is full of flavour packed with fibre and can easily be made in meatless version as well.

Shepherd's Pie
Prep time 20 min., Cook time 20 min.,  Serves 6

Here is what you will need:               

   

2 large sweet potatoes or more

3 tablespoons of butter

2 heaping tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese

salt and pepper

1-1.5 lbs. (500-700 g) minced beef, lamb or any meat that you like (I mix beef with turkey)

1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas, canned would work too

1 large carrot, shredded (optional)

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 table spoon of olive oil

Peel and cube potatoes. Cook till soft in salted water. Drain water. Mash adding butter and parmesan.  Salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.

Heat oil in the frying pan. Add meat, stir breaking it down into smaller pieces until it starts to get brown. Add thyme, rosemary and garlic. Stir and let cook for a minute. Add a ¼ cup of water or a beef stock if mixture gets too dry. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, peas, carrots and onions. Keep stirring.

Pre heat oven to 400F (205C). Spoon meat sauce into ovenproof casserole dish. Even out. Spoon potatoes on top. Make sure it is evenly spread. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake for about 20 min. till potatoes are slightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.

Enjoy.

What is your favorite winter dish?