Shepherd's Pie

My mom is a gifted lady. She's charming, filled with laughter and love, principled, caring, smart and boy can she cook!

When we came to Canada she really took an interest in embracing other cuisines. Even though Filipino food was a given, we would always have something different each week from angel hair pasta with baby scallops, to chicken curry to sheppherd's pie! It was our way of getting to explore different cuisines and cultures and is something I truly value and continue to do with my husband. It was definitely a childhood favourite amongst my siblings- the hearty meat center, sweet burst in your mouth peas, silky mash and ooey gooey cheese totally danced on our palates! I've added pearl onions to the recipe because I feel it gives it an extra bite but it's still mom's in every way! It's pretty simple to make and is a wonderful winter warmer!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic thinly diced
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon maggi seasoning
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon ketchup...I know...I know!
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen pearl onions
3 Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup..or more grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)
1/2 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons butter

Method:
Heat olive oil in a oven-proof skillet and add the onions. Cook on low for about 7 minutes until they're soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the ground beef and brown well. Add the maggi seasoning, tomato paste, water, ketchup, salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 10 minutes of low heat. If it gets dry add more water. you don't want it dry, you want there to be a bit of sauce! Add the pearl onions and green peas, mix well and reserve. You can top the skillet with the potatoes or transfer it to a smaller baking dish..

Preheat oven to 350.

Put potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender. Remove from water and mash with butter and warm milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread them evenly over the minced meat and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the skillet, top with cheese and cook 10 minutes more.