Shepherds Pie

Tags

Lamb, Meat, Recipes, Shepherds Pie

Shepherds Pie

2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2lbs Ground Lamb
Ground black pepper
1 Large Onion, finely chopped
5 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme leaves, chopped
1 Sprig of Rosemary, needles chopped
2 Cloves of Garlic, crushed
3oz butter
2 Tbsp Tomato puree
2 Tbsp Flour
7oz Red wine
2.5oz Worcestershire sauce
4 Cups of Chicken Stock
2lbs Potatoes, boiled
5oz Milk

Cooking Tips – Flank Steak.

Tags

Beef, Cooking, Cooking Tips, Flank, Meat, Recipes, Steak, Techniques, Tender, Tips

In this new addition to my recipe notes, I’m adding some tips for preparing and cooking different meat types.  First up, is a recommendation from a recent technology podcast, on how to cook a perfectly tender Flank Steak.

1. Never tenderize the meat.
2. Marinade/soak in Soy Sauce (Brand Kikkoman was recommended) for 15 to 20 minutes maximum.
3. Have the grill burning at it’s maximum heat.
5. Cook for no more than 3 minutes on each side.
6. When serving, always cut sideways, against the grain.

Baked Meatballs.

Tags

Meat, Meatballs

1lb ground Pork
½lb ground Beef
5 oz frozen Spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly
½ cup finely grated Parmesan
1 Egg
1½ tsp dried Basil
1½ tsp dried Parsley
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Kosher salt
½tsp Red Pepper flakes
½ cup Breadcrumbs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, beef, spinach, cheese, egg, basil, parsley, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup of the breadcrumbs

2. Using your hands, mix all ingredients until well incorporated.

3. Set the oven to 400F.

4. Place the remaining breadcrumbs into a small bowl and, using a scale, weigh meatballs into 1.5oz portions and place on a sheet pan.

5. Using your hands, shape the meatballs into balls, roll in the bread crumbs and place the meatballs on a baking sheet.

6. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Reference: The Food Network – Good Eats.

I didn’t want to buy a bunch of frozen Spinach for this one, so opted to leave it out.  Ususally I think you require to substitute binding ingredients, but I think the small amount won’t hurt, on this occasion.  The beef was not on offer, yet only cost $2; substituting for a higher grade of meat, shouldn’t up the price that much either.  As I didn’t have 3 of the seasonings, I used the opportunity to buy loose organic items.  Despite getting about double the amount I needed, the total came to less than $1.  As with most of my recipies requiring breadcrumbs, I substituted with my Japanese variety, which gives that extra sweetness and crunch.  Lastly, the Pork came to $3, which brings the total for 12 meatballs to $6 and plenty for two or three people.