Dill Pickle Seasoned Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash

    Here’s a British-inspired dish that's not fish and chips: 

    This recipe incorporates tangy, herby seasonings into a comforting and hearty shepherd’s pie, giving it a unique flavour twist. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend meal.

    Dill Pickle Seasoned Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash

    (Serves 4-6)

    Ingredients

    For the Filling:

    - 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
    - 1 lb (450g) ground lamb (or ground beef for a cottage pie)
    - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    - 2 cloves garlic, minced
    - 2 medium carrots, diced
    - 2 celery stalks, diced
    - 1 cup frozen peas
    - 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
    - 2 tbsp tomato paste
    - 1 cup beef or vegetable stock
    - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    - Salt and pepper to taste

    For the Mash Topping:

    - 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
    - 1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
    - 2 tbsp butter
    - 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
    - Salt and pepper to taste

    For Garnish:

    - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the Mash:
    Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, and 1-2 tsp of F N Good Food Pickle Your Fancy Dill Pickle seasoning. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

    2. Cook the Filling:
    Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove any excess fat.

    3. Add Vegetables:
    Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

    4. Season and Simmer:
    Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and 2-3 tsp of F N Good Food Pickle Your Fancy Dill Pickle seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavours meld. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the frozen peas and corn (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    5. Assemble the Pie:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the filling to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the cheesy mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface for a crispy topping.

    6. Bake:
    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

    7. Garnish and Serve:
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

    Tips
    - For a vegetarian version, replace the ground lamb with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
    - If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking (watch closely to avoid burning).
    - Adjust the amount of F N Good Food Pickle Your Fancy Dill Pickle seasoning to your taste—start with 2 tsp and add more if needed.

    This hearty and flavourful shepherd’s pie is a comforting twist on a Great British classic, with F N Good Food Pickle Your Fancy Dill Pickle seasoning adding a tangy, herby depth to the dish.

    Enjoy!