Shepherd’s Pie

One of the first dishes I prepare for Pesach is this shepherd’s pie. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s nice enough to be served at a Yom Tov meal, and a good comfort food for a Chol Hamoed supper.

Directions

1. Peel potatoes and place into a pot of water with the salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain. Mash the potatoes. Add the mayonnaise and mix. Season with more salt if necessary.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the meat: Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up until it’s browned and crumbly. Add the spices and stir. Let cook for two minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

4. In a deep 5×7-inch (13×18-centimeter) pan, layer a third of the potatoes, half of the meat, another third of the potatoes, the remaining meat, and finally the potatoes. (You can add the drippings from the pan together with the meat, since it gives the potatoes some extra flavor.) Sprinkle some paprika over the top layer of potatoes. Place in the oven and bake for a half hour.

5. This pie freezes and reheats very well.

Notes: This recipe is for a deep 5×7-inch pan, but feel free to use two small loaf pans or deep ramekins. Just adjust baking time accordingly.