Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 pounds ground lamb
• 3 cups chopped onions
• 3 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups chopped potatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for thickening (optional)
• Cooking oil or butter for greasing the baking dish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (including prep and cooking time)
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, brown the ground lamb over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces.
3. Once the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onions and carrots. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes.
5. Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until softened. Drain and mash them with a potato masher or mixer.
6. Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the top.
7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
8. If desired, you can make a slurry with a little water and flour to thicken the juices at the bottom of the dish before serving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 500-600 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: Moderate fat content due to the meat content.
• Carbohydrates: From potatoes and tomato paste.
• Protein: From meat and vegetables.

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional American comfort food.
• Rich in flavor and texture with the combination of meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
• A hearty dish that is perfect for colder weather or a family meal.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "My family loved the Shepherd's Pie. The texture of the mashed potatoes was excellent."
3. "I added some extra vegetables like corn and bell peppers for more flavor and color."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure safety.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• You can use fresh or frozen vegetables depending on availability in your local supermarket.
• If you want to make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the meat and increase the vegetable content.