Makes 1 Pie, serving about 6-8

This mashed potato crusted “pot pie” is brought to us by the British and their love of rich protein filled dishes in the dead of cold damp winters.

INGREDIENTS

1-2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
1½ pounds lean ground beef
1 cup crimini mushrooms, chopped fine
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 tablespoons of the following fresh herbs, chopped fine: parsley leaves, rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, marjoram leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt/black pepper
2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup fresh chives, chopped fine for use; 1 tablespoon saved for garnish

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan on medium high heat, and cook garlic and onions until slightly cooked or translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the carrots and parsnips, and cook another few minutes. Next add the ground beef, and sauté until it is fully browned, around 4 to 5 minutes. Drain off fat and add crimini mushrooms, sauté for a few minutes and next add the frozen or fresh peas and the herbs. Mix in tomato paste, season with salt and pepper and place on low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender. Strain and add butter, buttermilk and salt. Mash the potatoes until very smooth. Mix in the chives and set aside 1 tablespoon for garnish. Place the meat mixture in a lightly greased round glass pie dish or deep ceramic casserole dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the top evenly and sprinkle with chives. Bake until the top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm.