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Top shot of black plate, spoon and deconstructed Spicy Shepherd's pie
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4.65 from 14 votes

Spiced Shepherd's Pie

This mildly spiced Shepherd's pie is packed with punchy and delicious flavours.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 5 mins
Course: Brunch, Dinner
Cuisine: British
Keyword: Culinary Nirvana, Gayatri Singh, Shepherd's pie, Spiced Shepherd's Pie
Servings: 4
Author: Gayatri Singh

Ingredients

For the pie:

  • 450 g minced chicken used thighs and legs only
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup spring onion/ green onion finely sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/4 cup coriander stalks and leaves finely chopped
  • 1 tsp harissa paste or red chilli paste (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp or to taste crushed black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp or to taste cayenne or hot chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/4 tsp each cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder
  • 1/2 tsp saffron mixed in 1 tsp milk
  • 1 tsp or to taste salt
  • 1 tbsp rice flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For mashed potatoes

  • 400 g or 3 medium potaotes Maris Piper or King Edward or Russet
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream slightly warm
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp or to taste salt
  • 1/4 tsp each white pepper and nutmeg powder
  • 1/4 cup cheddar or gouda cheese finely grated for later
  • Water to boil

Instructions

Mashed Potatoes:

  • Boil the potatoes in salted water till they are cooked and soft. Drain the potatoes and grate them or rice them with potato ricer.
  • Whilst the potatoes are still hot, add in the melted butter followed by sour cream and warm heavy cream. Whisk it well with a wooden spoon.
  • Add in the salt, white pepper powder, nutmeg powder and whisk it well until combined.
  • Keep it aside in the warm place.

For the chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, once smoking add in the onion, garlic and coriander stalks. Saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add in the coriander leaves, spring onion and stir it in. Tip in the harissa paste and fry for another 5 minutes. Add all the spice powders, mix it well.
  • Tip in the minced chicken and using a spoon, break it up. Fry it till the mince becomes brown in colour.
  • Add in the rice powder and mix it well and turn the gas off.

For baking:

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
  • Lightly oil an oven dish, tip the chicken mince mixture in it. Spread it evenly. Using ice cream scoop add big dollops of the mashed potatoes over the mince. Smooth the top out.
  • Sprinkle the cheese on the top and bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
  • Put in under the grill or broiler for a few minutes if the top is in browned well.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes (5-7 minutes) and then serve.