Cottage Pie, Ode to England
We're back from London and a whirlwind of fun, to the whirlwind of Hurricane Sandy. Our first stop was to Wholefoods to stock up on food, firewood and more food...as always, when awaiting a storm, the anticipation is exhilarating. Herds of people at the market, huge trolleys with weeks worth of food, empty shelves, hustle and bustle and lots of well wishing. Just what the doctor ordered!
Cottage Pie is the perfect snow food, and a reasonable remedy for my homesickness.
A simple dish that shouldn't be taken too seriously, the ingredients go so well together that no matter how you make it - it will end up tasting good!
Organic Ingredients Serves 4-6
5-6 Large Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 Large Onion, peeled & diced small
4 Cloves Garlic, peeled & crushed in a pestle and mortar
1 Lb. Grass Fed Ground Beef, I sometimes use 2 Lbs. Beef to make it more beefy. If you do this, add a little more Tomato Paste, and double the Peas.
1 Cup frozen Peas, thawed to room temp
1 Cup carrots, chopped the size of Peas
4 Tbsps. heaped Tomato Paste
1/2 Cup Red Wine
1/2 Cup Water
4 Tbsps. Pastured Butter
1 Cup Whole Milk, use A2 dairy for optimal digestion and health benefits
Spices: 1 Teaspoon each ground: Turmeric, Paprika, Thyme, All Spice
1/2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp. Black Pepper
Sea Salt, to taste - be generous
1/2 Cup shredded Cheddar
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan
Method
Make the Beef - Saute Onion until translucent on medium high heat, add Carrots and cook for a minute. Add Garlic and cook for a minute. Add Mince and brown with Salt and Spices. Add Tomato Paste and cook for a minute. Turn heat to high and add Red Wine, mix well, integrating any brown sticky pieces from the bottom of your pan. Once the Wine dissipates (around one minute), add Water and Peas. Taste and add Salt/ Pepper to taste. Lower heat to low and cover. Simmer on low heat for an hour.
Make the Mash - Boil Potatoes until tender. Mash manually adding Butter and Salt. To thin Potatoes add a little bit of Whole Milk until you reach desired consistency. They should remain fluffy.
Bake - Layer your Oven Proof dish with Meat, Peas & Carrots on the bottom & the Mash on top. Make trails with the back of a fork across the Potato layer horizontally and vertically. Sprinkle Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese on top. Bake on 400F for about 30-40 minutes or until Golden.
Feels good to be back in the kitchen!
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