Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This Shepherd's Bread recipe is a delicious twist on the classic shepherd's pie, offering all the hearty goodness in a convenient and visually appealing bread format. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a packed lunch. This homemade recipe combines tender lamb, savory vegetables, and a fluffy bread crust, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly tasty!
Ingredients:
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For the Lamb Filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
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For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Preparing the Lamb Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cheddar cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Top with the lamb filling.
- Pour the remaining bread batter over the filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground lamb and beef.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or corn.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan.
- If you prefer a crispier top, brush the bread with a little milk before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Shepherd's Bread is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious results of your homemade cooking! It's a surefire way to create a memorable and tasty experience for everyone. This simple recipe is sure to become one of your best recipes. Let us know in the comments how your Shepherd's Bread turned out!