Grandma Estelles Shepards Pie
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large onions (1 1/4 pounds total)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- Kosher (coarse) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground blade pepper, or to taste
- 3 slices white bread
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons kosher (coarse) salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Prepare the mashed potato layer: Heat the oil in a very large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a large pot, add water to cover, lightly salt it, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and gently boil the potatoes until tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and put them through a ricer (preferred) or hand-mash them.
- Strain the onions, reserving the oil.
- Puree the strained onions in a blender, and combine the puree with the mashed potatoes.
- Add about 2 teaspoons salt and the pepper, and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Prepare the meat layer: Place the bread in a shallow bowl, add water to cover, and soak for 1 or 2 minutes.
- Then drain the bread, and using your hands, squeeze out the excess water.
- Crumble the bread into bits in a large bowl.
- Add the onion, ground beef, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix together.
- Spread about one third of the mashed potato mixture over the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Pat the meat mixture evenly over the potatoes; then cover it with the remaining mashed potatoes.
- Jab all over with a fork.
- (Dont ask why.)
- Brush lightly with the reserved oil, and bake until the meat is cooked through and the potatoes are golden brown, about 1 1/4 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve hot.
- Variation: This dish can be made using your own favorite meat loaf and/or mashed potato recipe.
vegetable oil, onions, russet potatoes, salt, freshly ground blade pepper, white bread, onion, ground beef, eggs, garlic, kosher, freshly ground black pepper
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/grandma-estellersquos-shepardrsquos-pie (may not work)