Shepherds Pie was a staple dish and a favorite for all in the Gregson household! This recipe is courtesy of one of Momma Julia's favorite chef's Delia Smith.
Mummy Julia's Shepherds Pie
Why it's on our list
In this heartwarming episode of Hey Sis, Eat This, we delve into the cherished family recipe for Shepherd's Pie that has become a beloved staple at the Gregson dinner table. Half sisters Natasha Gregson Wagner and Poppy Wall reminisce about their childhoods, sharing how this comforting dish, passed down from their nurturing mother, Julia Gregson, brings them back to long family dinners in the Welsh countryside. With layers of tender meat, creamy mash, and a hint of love woven into every bite, this Shepherd's Pie embodies the spirit of togetherness and meaningful conversation. The only thing better than this pie is one of Momma Julia's homemade Rhubarb crisps!
Ingredients
1 pound ground lamb or beef or a combination of both
1 large onion, peeled, quartered and chopped in a mini chopper
1.5 cups diced mixed carrot and rutabaga or Swedish turnip,
about 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
Approximately 2 cups of frozen or homemade mashed potato
2 medium leeks washed to remove dirt or about 2 cups finely chopped (white parts)
3 heaped tablespoons ready-grated mature Cheddar
Feel free to adjust any proportions based on your preferences or the specific ingredients you might be using!
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 400°
Start by heating the oil in a largish frying-pan till very hot, add the onion, carrot and rutabaga and cook for about 5 minutes, keeping the heat high, to color a bit at the edges, stirring them around.
Remove vegetables from pan. Add a touch more oil and then brown the meat until no longer pink.
After that, combine the vegetables with the ground lamb or beef, thyme, cinnamon and some seasoning and transfer to an 7" square baking dish (or similar).
Next, arrange the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle the leeks all over the potato and follow that with the grated Cheddar.
Then put it into the oven for 35-40 minutes, till the top is crusty and golden. Let it settle for about 10 minutes before serving.
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