Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie Recipe - Traditional British Dish

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines savory ground pork with flavorful vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, it was a way to use up ingredients and create a filling and satisfying meal. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, including this version made with ground pork.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground pork
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 medium white onion, chopped
0.25 cup green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water
2 cups cooked whole-kernel corn
4 cups mashed potatoes
2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a skillet, brown the pork, garlic, onion, and green peppers over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
Add water and cook, stirring, until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
Pour the meat mixture into a three-quart casserole dish.
Layer the corn on top of the pork.
Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the corn and sprinkle with parsley.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the ground pork.
Add diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Top the Shepherd's Pie with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the ground pork thoroughly to develop flavor and ensure that it is cooked through.

- Season the meat mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- For a golden and crispy topping, broil the Shepherd's Pie for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground pork before assembling the Shepherd's Pie helps to develop flavor and ensure that the meat is cooked through.

- Layering the corn and mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture creates a visually appealing dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade mashed potatoes for a quicker preparation.

- Substitute chicken broth for water in the meat mixture for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to thicken the meat mixture.

Summary

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With savory ground pork, flavorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie. It was a dreary afternoon in the middle of winter, and I was huddled in the cozy kitchen of my dear friend Martha. The scent of savory spices and simmering meat filled the air, tempting my taste buds and igniting my curiosity.

Martha, a seasoned cook with a wealth of culinary knowledge, was busy bustling around the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to her bubbling pot of ground pork. I watched in awe as she expertly diced vegetables, mashed potatoes, and assembled the pie with precision and care.

As I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a cup of hot tea and listening to the crackling fire in the hearth, Martha recounted the story of how she learned to make this delicious dish. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had emigrated from Ireland many years ago.

According to Martha, her great-grandmother had brought the recipe with her from the Emerald Isle, where it was a staple dish in her family's home. Over the years, the recipe had evolved and adapted to incorporate new ingredients and flavors, but the essence of the dish remained the same - a hearty and comforting meal that warmed the soul and satisfied the appetite.

As Martha continued to cook, she shared with me the secrets and techniques that had been handed down to her through the generations. She explained the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and spices, and taking the time to properly brown the meat and caramelize the vegetables to enhance the flavors of the dish.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every gesture as Martha demonstrated the art of making Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie. I watched as she carefully layered the meat and vegetable filling in a baking dish, topped it with a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes, and sprinkled it with a generous amount of grated cheese.

After a final sprinkle of paprika for color, Martha slid the pie into the oven and set the timer. As the savory aroma of the baking pie filled the kitchen, I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the timer finally chimed, Martha pulled the golden-brown pie out of the oven and set it on the table to cool. The cheese bubbled and melted, creating a tantalizing crust on top of the creamy mashed potatoes, and the rich aroma of the meat and vegetables wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

We sat down at the table, Martha and I, and served ourselves generous portions of the piping hot Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie. The first bite was pure heaven - the buttery mashed potatoes melted in my mouth, the savory meat filling was perfectly seasoned, and the cheese added a tangy richness that tied everything together.

As we savored each delicious bite, Martha and I shared stories and laughter, reveling in the simple pleasure of good food and good company. I felt a connection to Martha's great-grandmother, to the generations of women who had passed this recipe down through the ages, and to the timeless tradition of gathering around the table to share a meal with loved ones.

And so, as I left Martha's kitchen that day, with a full belly and a happy heart, I knew that I had been given a gift - not just a recipe for Ground Pork Shepherd's Pie, but a piece of history, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I vowed to carry on the legacy of this beloved dish, to share it with my own family and friends, and to pass it down to future generations so that they too could experience the joy and comfort of a simple, homemade meal made with love.