Individual Shepherd’s Pies

Individual Shepherd’s Pies

In this recipe I use lamb.  Many people use beef, but the shepherds didn’t watch over their cows at night.  Make sure to use quality meat and the mashed potatoes seal the deal. 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1 Chopped Medium Onion

2 Pounds Ground Lamb

1/2 Cup Water

4 Cups Beef Stock

2 Large Diced Carrots

1/2 Bunch Finely Chopped Thyme

1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper

1 Pound Mashed Potatoes (Enough to Cover Six Pies)

Preheat your oven to 350° F.  In a large skillet heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion.  Cook for 4 minutes until the onion is tender.  Add the ground lamb and sauté for 3 minutes to break up any large pieces.  Add the water and then transfer to a baking sheet and put into the oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.  The lamb should be golden brown.  Remove from the oven and drain off the excess fat.  Return to the original skillet and add the beef stock.  Bring to a boil over a medium heat.  Meanwhile, blanch the diced carrots in salted boiling water until they are soft.  You do not want them to be mushy.  Drain the carrots and place them in a cold water bath and set aside.  Turn the skillet with the lamb down to a low heat and add the chopped time, salt, pepper and carrots.  Simmer for 10 minutes and then transfer the meat mixture into individual earthenware pie dishes.  Press the meat mixture down so that you will have a smooth surface onto which the mashed potatoes can be piped.  Using a piping bag with a large nozzle carefully pipe an even layer of potatoes over the surface of the pie. If you do not have a piping bag don’t worry about it.  Just do the best you can to neatly cover the pies. Place the individual pies on a baking sheet and put into the oven for 5 minutes.  The potatoes should begin to turn golden brown and the pies should be piping hot in the center.  Remove from the oven and serve.  Makes 6 individual pies.