SHEPHERD'S PIE

Today was a blissful day. The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and I was cooking up a storm. I have been wanting to make a Shepherd’s Pie for a few weeks now, but have not had enough time to form a recipe and bake. This recipe is actually quite simple to my Bolognese recipe, minus /plus a few different ingredients and the pasta of course. The sliced potatoes on top are different from the traditional mashed potatoes, however I wanted to avoid using any milk, cheese or butter / margarine. Shepherd’s pie to me is the ultimate comfort food and perfect for a frosty night like tonight.

INGREDIENTS

• 500g extra lean beef mince
• 3 large sebago potatoes, peeled & sliced
• 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced
• 1 x 800g tin diced tomatoes
• 1 medium carrot, peeled & finely chopped
• 1 cup peas, fresh or thawed if frozen
• 500ml (2 cups) beef stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh or dried rosemary, plus extra to sprinkle over potatoes
• sea salt & black pepper
• coconut oil (liquid form)

COOKING 

1. Preheat a fan-forced oven to 180 degrees celsius. 

2. Heat a large, deep frying pan over medium heat, adding 1 teaspoon coconut oil (liquid form) and swirling to coat pan. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until onion is soft. Add beef mince and cook, breaking apart lumps with a metal spoon, until all mince is browned. Add carrots, tomatoes, rosemary and beef stock and stir well. Bring to the boil, then simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid, add the peas and simmer, covered for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat. 

3. Meanwhile, place potato slices in a large plate and cover with glad wrap. Place in the microwave on high for 8 minutes. Remove from the microwave.

4. Lightly grease a deep ovenproof pan with coconut oil. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the pan and top with the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle more rosemary on top of the potatoes if you desire. Cook for 40 minutes in the oven or until potatoes become golden brown. Remove from heat and serve warm. 

Serves / 4 - 6

Total Preparation time / 17 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 1 hour 25 minutes 

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