Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie comes with a potato or sweet potato topping and that is what one generally expects. This autumn we introduce an interesting twist to this traditional recipe in the form of a pumpkin topping. It does two things. One, it brings to the table the seasonal flavors of autumn and two it introduces a brand new avatar to the sumptuous Shepherd’s Pie recipe. So, its time to invite friends and folk over and relish the warmth of Shepherd’s Pie – of course with the intended ‘Pumpkin’ twist.

Autumn Dinner – Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

2-1/2 pounds pumpkin, peeled and cubed

2 pounds lamb stew meat cut into bite size pieces

1 onion cut into wedges

3 carrots, medium sized, peeled and cut into chunks

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

4 to 5 garlic cloves chopped fine

6 to 8 ounces mushrooms with stems removed

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup red wine

1 cup chicken broth (you could use beef if you prefer it)

1/2 cup cream

2 tbsp parsley, chopped fine

Shepherd’s Pie Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° and arrange a rack in the top part of the oven.
2. Place the cubed and peeled pumpkin on a greased baking sheet and roast it for about 20 to 25 minutes. Prick with a fork to check whether it has been cooked or not.
3. Whilst this is being done, in a large stock pot add some oil and set it to a high flame.
4. Once the oil has heated add lamb, salt, and pepper. Stir while it cooks and makes sure the meat has browned on all the sides.
5. Add onions and garlic and cook them well. It should take about 2 to 4 minutes.
6. Transfer the cooked lamb, onions and garlic in a bowl. Sprinkle carrots and mushrooms.
7. In the same pot used to cook lamb, add flour whilst whisking constantly for a minute. The heat should be medium low now. The flour should cook in a minute or two and will give out a cooked smell.
8. To the cooked flour add wine and chicken broth. Simmer till the mixture thickens, which should be about 4 to 5 minutes.
9. Pour over the lamb mixture and stir well so that it coats the meat well.
10. Pour into four ramekins or a baking dish.
11. Mash cooked pumpkin in a bowl and add 1tsp salt and 1/3 cup cream. Mix well. Add more cream to achieve a mashed potato consistency if needed.
12. Spread well over the lamb.
13. Bake until the pumpkin has browned. It should take about 30 minutes.
14. Let it rest for 10 minutes and then sprinkle with parsley.

This Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe comes with a little twist replacing potato with pumpkin. Nevertheless, the flavors are par excellence and bring forth a change from the routine. Conventional recipes sure bring time and tested flavors to the table however sometimes we do crave for a change. This Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe does just that. I am sure you must be having some other brilliant ideas regarding this Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie Recipe. Do share it with us in the comment box below.

Here are a few more autumn dinner recipes to try!