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Swineherd's Pie

This inexpensive, warming pie is a logical extension of cottage and shepherd's pie: veg and pork mince cooked with herbs and topped with buttery mash. Instead of the using straight potato for the topping, you could use half parsnip or celeriac, both of which go very well with pork, or a mixture of swede (rutabaga) and potato. This is great with cabbage, braised greens or peas.
This an interesting variation on a Shepherd's Pie, named appropriately for the substituted ground pork. It incorporates some interesting ingredients such as leek, fennel/sage/thyme, apple, and Dijon mustard.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Adapted from Riverford

Ingredients

For the Mash

  • 1 kg (2¼lb) potatoes peeled and diced
  • 50 g (3½ Tbsp) butter
  • Splash of milk or cream (about 2-3 Tbsp)
  • Salt to taste

For the Filling

  • 1 Tbsp oil for frying (sunflower or similar)
  • 400 g (14oz) pork mince (ground pork)
  • 1 large leek halved lengthwise, finely shredded
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1 tsp dried fennel seeds or 4-5 shredded fresh sage leaves, or the leaves from 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 apple cored and cut into small dice
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
  • Water enough to cover the mixture

Instructions

  • Prepare the Filling: Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large pan. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Add a little more oil to the pan. Add the leek, carrots, celery, and fennel/sage/thyme. Cook gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Return the pork to the pan. Add the apple and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Add enough wate to just cover the mixture, and simmer until tender (about 40 minutes).
  • Prepare the Mash: Meanwhile, place the potatoes in a pot with salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for 12-15 minutes, until tender.
  • Drain, and let steam dry for a couple of minutes. Mash with the butter and milk .Season generously.
  • Preheat oven to 190°C/Gas 5/375℉
  • Transfer the pork filling to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potato over the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.