Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Lamb and Wild Mushroom Cottage Pie?
This dish is an exquisite twist on the classic shepherd's pie, featuring tender lamb shoulder sautéed with a medley of wild mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in a savory beef stock sauce, topped with creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes.
What cut of lamb should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of shoulder blade lamb chops, trimmed of fat and boned, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Which mushrooms are best for the filling?
A mix of assorted wild mushrooms such as cremini, portabello, and shiitake is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How should the lamb be seasoned before cooking?
Toss the lamb pieces in a bowl with a mixture of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, and ground allspice until evenly coated.
How long do I need to brown the lamb?
Sauté the coated lamb in olive oil over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes until it is well browned.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses three large minced shallots and three large minced garlic cloves to provide a fragrant base.
What is the cooking time for the mushrooms?
The chopped mushrooms and bay leaf should be sautéed for about 6 minutes until they are browned and softened.
What liquid is used to simmer the lamb?
The filling uses 1 3/4 cups of beef stock combined with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
How long does the lamb filling need to simmer?
Cover the pan and simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for approximately 45 minutes until the lamb becomes tender.
How do I thicken the pie filling?
After the 45-minute simmer, uncover the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the liquid to thicken slightly.
What type of potatoes are used for the topping?
The recipe specifies 6 small Yukon gold potatoes, which are peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds.
How are the potatoes cooked for the mash?
Instead of boiling, the sliced potatoes are steamed in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 12 minutes until tender.
What ingredients go into the potato mash?
The steamed potatoes are mashed with 1/3 cup of milk, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and half of the fresh chives.
At what temperature should I bake the cottage pie?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pie stay in the oven?
Bake the pie for approximately 35 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the potato topping starts to brown.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 363 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This cottage pie provides 13.75g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How should I garnish the pie?
Garnish the finished pie with the remaining fresh chopped chives for a touch of brightness.
What size dish is needed for baking?
The filling and topping should be assembled in a 9-inch pie dish.
How much olive oil is required in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 2 for browning the lamb and 1 for the aromatics.
Is the butter used in the mash salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What kind of bay leaf is used?
The recipe suggests using one Turkish bay leaf.
How much flour is used to coat the lamb?
The lamb is coated in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
While the instructions suggest steaming them while the lamb simmers, you can steam and mash them ahead of time as long as they are kept warm or reheated.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
No, the provided nutritional information and ingredients list do not include any added sugar.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 16 distinct ingredients.
Is there a caution for baking?
Yes, it is advised to watch for any potential overflow while the pie is baking in the oven.
How should the mushrooms be chopped?
The mushrooms should be stemmed and chopped into 3/4-inch pieces.