Savory Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe is an old-school comfort food at its finest and is very filling and festive. Many of us are working mothers with very busy schedules, so it’s good to make a double recipe of this family favorite. Make one to serve piping hot out of the oven, and freeze the second for an after-school and post-work reheated repast. You will need the following ingredients for one pie:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• ½ cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• 4 to 5 potatoes, boiled (or for a keto/low carb alternative, use an equal weight of young turnips, which are quite tasty mashed)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
• ½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups sautéed ground beef (or substitute soy protein for a meat-free option, or ground turkey for a lower fat meat)
• ⅓ stick unsalted butter (preferably organic for best taste)
• seasoning herbs (cook’s choice; see below)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mash the potatoes with unsalted organic butter, adding a splash of milk until you have the desired consistency. As you mash the potatoes, make sure you can get peaks so the pie will be impressively landscaped! Slowly heat the olive oil in a sauté pan and cook the onions until they soften, then fold in and cook your meat or veggie protein. Lastly, add in the carrots, mushrooms, and tomato and cook through. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add in your favorite herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, or whatever your heart desires. Transfer to an oiled pie dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese on the filling. Lastly, spread the mashed potatoes on top, creating peaks and valleys. Dust a sprinkling of parsley and chives onto the potatoes and pop it into the preheated oven for fifteen minutes. Once the tater topping begins to turn a lovely golden brown on top, remove from the oven. Serve this hearty homemade savory pie in bowls alongside a crisp salad of homegrown greens and allow its coziness to melt all mundane matters away. Good for any day of the week and impressive enough to bake for high holidays.