Lamb and Aubergine Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients for Lamb and Aubergine Shepherd's Pie

• 1 675g aubergine, unpeeled, cut into 3/4-to 1-inch cubes

• Coarse kosher salt

• 110ml (or more) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 900g well-trimmed boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Plain flour

• 725ml chopped onions

• 240ml dry white wine

• 1 800g can diced tomatoes in juice

• 725ml beef broth (preferably organic)

• 8 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1.1kg russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 180ml whole milk

• 300ml (packed) coarsely grated kasseri cheese* (5 to 170g )

How to make Lamb and Aubergine Shepherd's Pie

Scatter aubergine on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt; let stand 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Rinse aubergine and pat very dry.

Heat 45ml oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add aubergine and sauté until tender, about 12 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl.

Sprinkle lamb generously with coarse salt and pepper, then dust with flour to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Add half of lamb. Sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer lamb to large bowl. Repeat with 2 tablespoons oil and remaining lamb.

Add 1 additional tablespoon oil to same pot, if needed. Add onions. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until very tender, about 10 minutes (bottom of pot will be very dark). Add wine to pot. Increase heat and boil until wine evaporates, scraping up browned bits, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice, broth, garlic, and oregano and bring to boil. Add lamb with any accumulated juices. Cover; reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour. Uncover and continue to simmer until lamb is very tender and gravy thickens slightly, about 45 minutes. Stir in aubergine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and chill.

Preheat oven to 191°C. Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 14 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter with oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add milk and bring to simmer.

Drain potatoes. Return to pot. Stir over medium heat until excess moisture evaporates. Add milk mixture and mash potatoes until just smooth. Stir in cheese. Season with coarse salt and pepper. Drop potatoes over filling by heaping tablespoonfuls, covering completely.

Bake pie until filling is heated through and topping is golden, about 45 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.