Hardcore Hobbit: Shepard’s Pie

That’s right, a real shepard’s pie. *food snob moment* Shepard’s pie contains lamb…if it does not it is a cottage pie *end food snob moment*. It’s true…no imitation here. Did you know that lean lamb is just as low in fat as extra lean ground beef? So, there is no reason to live by chicken, pork and extra lean beef alone! Lean lamb is here to save the day! This recipe is inspired by lotro, the recipe in game is made from: pie crust, sharp cheese, mashed royal taters and lamb. The mashed royal taters according to the game contain: salt, royal taters, and mixed herbs. This time I’m actually going to deviate from the inspired recipe, I’m skipping the pie crust. It’s added fat and calories we just don’t need and a traditional style shepard’s pie can live without it. So on we go!

• 1 lb lean ground lamb
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1 tbl tomato paste
• 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1 tbl poultry seasoning
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup chicken broth, reduced salt
• 500g yukon gold potato
• 30g raclette cheese, grated
• 2 tbl fat free sour cream
• 2 tbl basil, fresh chopped
• 1/2 tsp rosemary, fresh chopped
• 1 tsp chives, fresh snipped
• sea salt and ground pepper

1. Spray a pan and heat. Season the ground lamb with salt and pepper and brown. Drain any fat. Add the garlic, onions, carrots, tomato paste and poultry seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Add the red wine and reduce until almost gone.
3. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the sauce has thickened. Spoon into the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
4. Cut the potatoes into chunks, cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add the sour cream and fresh herbs. Mash until desired consistency. Layer the mash on top of the meat to form an upper crust.
5. Top with the grated raclette cheese. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes. The pie should be bubbling. Allow to rest and cut into quarters.

This dish makes four large servings. Each serving contains 356 calories, 10.4 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fibre. A real winner on these fall days and quite enough to fill up this hungry hobbit for a bit. I think the game says it best about this shepards pie:

Removes up to 1 Fear effect from the target

It’s hearty, filling, and hobbits love it.

~Hehehe…I definitely feel less fearful after consumption for sure. Enjoy!