FRENCH SHEPHERDS PIE RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

•  Into a heated, large pan, add the oil or Frylight and add the lamb, and fry for approx 8-10 mins, until browned, stirring occasionally to break any lumps

  Remove the meat, drain off any fat, and set aside. Spray the pan with the other squirt of spray, reduce the heat, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook over a medium heat for 8 mins, until the onion is softened

  Add the herbs, tomato puree & Worcestershire sauce, and fry for a minute or so, before adding the lamb back in

  Pour over the stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 mins. After 15 mins, remove the lid, and add the drained lentils

  Heat the oven to 180c/ 160 fan, gas 4.

  Meanwhile, in a pan of boiling water, boil the potatoes, until cooked, approx 15 mins

  Once cooked, drain, add the skimmed milk, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, mash well

  Spoon the mince into an oven proof baking dish, remove the bay leaf, and rosemary, (if left whole).

  Spread the mash over the top, fluffing with a fork if desired. Bake for 20-25 mins, until golden brown and bubbling

  Allow to stand for 5 mins before serving. Garnish with parsley immediately before serving 

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil over high heat. Add potatoes to boiling water and boil for about 15 to 20 minutes, until soft; a knife should go in with almost no resistance.
• Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with high sides or an enameled cast-iron braiser over medium-high heat, bring the lentils, thyme and 2 cups of the broth to a simmer with 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat and continue to cook the lentils, partly covered, until they are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer the lentils to a bowl.
• Finish the topping: In a small saucepan or a microwave oven, heat 6 tablespoons of the butter and milk together until butter melts. Drain potatoes well and return to pot. Using a masher or a ricer, mash hot potatoes until smooth. Mix in the hot butter mixture and sour cream just until blended. Stir in 1/2 of the Parmigiano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
• Finish the filling: Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Melt the butter in the 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until they are deep golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add leeks, carrots and garlic, and continue to cook until tender, another 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking until it is well combined, another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups broth, cooked lentils and peas, and cook until thickened. Remove thyme stems and stir in lemon juice to taste.
• Top the mixture with dollops of the mashed potatoes, then spread them out over the top. (Or transfer the lentil mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish and spread into an even layer, and top with potatoes.) Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano. Transfer to the oven and, if the mixture is at the top edges of your pan, set a foil-lined baking sheet underneath the pan to catch any drips. Bake the pie until the potatoes have begun to brown and the edges are bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.