Happy Birthday, Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo’s 111th Birthday Feast: Shepherd’s Pie
The filming location of Hobbiton was set in the countryside of Matamata in New Zealand. Before fans flocked to the area to see the set for themselves, sheep from the Alexander Family Farm would roam freely around the area. The farm still continues to raise sheep and cattle to this day and it is the inspiration for my shepherd’s pie. Shepherd’s pie is warm and hearty. It’s a perfect recipe for feeding large groups of people. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb. You can easily substitute this with ground beef but it would then be called a cottage pie.
Bilbo's 111th Birthday Feast: Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients:
potatoes
- 1 large (300g / 10oz) – russet potato, cleaned and peeled
- 25g (1oz) – unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp – heavy cream
filling
- 2 tbsp – canola oil
- 1 medium (85g / 3oz / 1/2 cup) – carrot, peeled and 1/4″ diced
- 1/2 small (50g / 2oz / 1/4 cup) – yellow onion, 1/2″ diced
- 2 cloves – garlic, minced
- 1 sprig – thyme
- 2 tbsp (20g) – all purpose flour
- 60g (2oz) – red wine
- 160g (5.5oz) – chicken broth
- 60g (2oz / 1/4 cup) – green peas
- 3 – 4 dashes – worcestershire sauce
- 280g (10oz) – ground lamb or beef
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Slice the peeled potatoes in 1/2″ rounds and place it into a cold pot of water. Place the pot over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife. Meanwhile, heat the butter and cream over medium heat until warm. Set aside. Mash the potatoes and add the warm butter and cream. Mash until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 375F. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, thyme, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the ground lamb. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook just until cook.
- Add the flour and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the red wine and chicken broth. Let it simmer until it thickens, approximately 8 minutes. Add the worcestershire sauce, peas, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the filling into small pan and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before serving.
