Shepherd's pie with the flavour of truffles and red wine


This is a great dish for the winter months. But before you start make sure that you have sufficient quantities of lamb and enough mash potato to fit the selected baking dish. This recipe is for 2 people with a total cooking time of 40 minutes which includes 10 minutes for preparation.
                                                        Shepherd's pie straight from the oven.

Ingredients

500g of quality lamb mince.
Grated or finely chopped onion and carrots.
2 garlic cloves, chopped or use garlic puree.
500ml of Bisto gravy stock.
250ml of red wine or quantity as required.
Mashed potato (Russets or starchy potatoes for fluffiness).
Tomato puree.
Rosemary and Thyme.
Olive oil.

Directions

Use a large frying pan, bring to heat, add a splash of olive oil and add the lamb mince, stir to ensure even browning. Clear away any excess fat that runs off. When browned add the chopped or grated onion and carrot. When softened add the garlic, tomato puree, thyme and rosemary. Total time here approximately 10 – 20 minutes.

Add the red wine, a dash of Worcester sauce and beef stock, ensuring that it doesn’t become too wet. Continue cooking for about 5 -10 minutes.

When ready place the mince in an oven proof dish and cover with the mash potato. Add some grated cheese – Parmesan is good. Place the dish in a pre-heated oven at 180 deg. C for about 20 minutes. Check to see how the cheese is browning. Remove and serve with a selection of vegetables to your choice.

Note: Shepherd's pie uses lamb and cottage pie uses beef. Use a good quality low fat lamb mince for this recipe. Fresh herbs if possible.