Shepherd's Pie With Spiced Parsnip Mash

Shepherd's Pie With Spiced Parsnip Mash
  • Author: Nigel Slater

This hearty and comforting shepherd's pie is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Tender cooked parsnips are mashed with butter and spices to create a flavorful topping, while a savory filling made with roast lamb, vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmers to perfection. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • 900g/2lbs large parsnips
  • 2 onions
  • 50g/2oz butter
  • large pinch ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • about 50g/2oz butter
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 leeks or onions
  • 1 carrot
  • 3 tbsp dripping or butter
  • 4 Italian brown mushrooms
  • 450g/1lb cooked roast lamb
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 250ml/9 oz hot lamb or chicken stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Simmer the parsnips in salted water until tender - about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • While they are cooking, fry the onions in the butter over a moderate heat until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the spices and continue cooking for a further two minutes, until fragrant.
  • Drain the parsnips. Mash them with a potato masher, stirring in the butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper, then the sliced onions. Set aside.
  • In a large pan, cook the chopped leeks (or onions) and the diced carrot with the dripping or butter, until they are meltingly soft and golden - don't worry if they have caught slightly at the edges.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a further five minutes, then stir in the minced meat. The meat must brown a little here and there, so do not stir it too often. Leave to cook for five minutes or so, breaking it up as necessary.
  • Add the flour and the tomato purée. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, for three or four minutes - tomato purée is bitter if not thoroughly cooked.
  • Pour on the hot stock, add a bay leaf and a sprig of thyme and bring to the boil.
  • Turn down the heat and leave to simmer very gently for 25-30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
  • Season the filling with salt, Worcestershire sauce and a few grinds of black pepper - be generous.
  • Scoop the mixture into a large baking dish and spoon dollops of mashed parsnip over the top. Bake for about 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

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Cook Time

2H

Prep Time

PT1H

Yield

Serves 4

Nutrition

  • Calories: 814kcal
  • Carbohydrate Content: 39g
  • Fat Content: 56g
  • Fiber Content: 17g
  • Protein Content: 49g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 29g
  • Sugar Content: 18.5g