Hearty Shepherd's Pie with a Twist

Growing up in North London, comfort food was more than just a meal—it was a way to bring the family together after a long day. One dish that never failed to make an appearance was Shepherd's Pie. My mum had this magical way of making it, with its rich filling and golden potato topping, and it was always something I looked forward to. Years later, after moving to Florida in 1998, I missed those cozy dinners from home. So, I started experimenting in the kitchen to bring a bit of that warmth to my new life.

Yummy and hearty!Photo byMidJourney

Over time, I put my own spin on it, adding a few ingredients that gave it a fresh, modern twist while keeping its essence intact. Today, my Shepherd's Pie is a family favorite, and it's even something my wife requests when she wants something nostalgic yet hearty. I’ve added a bit of cheddar into the mashed potatoes and swapped the traditional lamb for ground turkey, making it a bit lighter yet still comforting. Every bite takes me back to my childhood, and it’s a joy to share this modernized classic with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and carrots, cooking until fragrant and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Add flavor:
4. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to coat the turkey. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Toss in the peas and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Make the mashed potato topping:
6. While the filling simmers, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, and shredded cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Assemble the pie:
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the turkey mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish. Gently spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spatula. Use a fork to create little ridges on top for extra crispness.
9. Bake and enjoy:
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve hot.

SOURCE:

• Family Recipe