Shepherd's Almond Crumble

Shepherd's Almond Crumble is a unique twist on the traditional Shepherd's Pie, where a delightful almond topping replaces the usual mashed potatoes. This dish combines the rich flavors of lamb, vegetables, and a nutty crumble, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

History of Shepherd's Almond Crumble

The origins of Shepherd's Pie trace back to the late 18th century in the United Kingdom and Ireland, primarily serving as an ingenious way to use up leftover meat. Traditionally made with minced lamb, it's known as Shepherd's Pie, while its sibling, the Cottage Pie, uses beef. Our variation, the Shepherd's Almond Crumble, preserves the essence of the dish while introducing a crunchy twist with almonds, which were prized in historical European cuisine for their versatility and rich flavor. This modern take brings together old-world charm with culinary innovation.

Ingredients

• Ground Lamb - 1 pound
• Onion - 1 large, chopped
• Carrots - 2 medium, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Frozen Peas - 1 cup
• Fresh Rosemary - 1 teaspoon, chopped
• Fresh Thyme - 1 teaspoon, chopped
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
• Beef Stock - 1 cup
• All-Purpose Flour - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 4 tablespoons
• Almonds - 1 cup, crushed
• All-Purpose Flour (for crumble) - 1 cup
• Grated Parmesan - 1/2 cup
• Ground Nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

3. Add the diced carrots and minced garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes.

4. Increase the heat and add the ground lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cooking until browned.

5. Stir in the tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the mixture, stir well to combine.

7. Pour the beef stock into the pan and bring to a simmer. Allow to thicken slightly.

8. Add the peas and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preparing the Almond Crumble

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed almonds, 1 cup of flour, and grated Parmesan.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of chilled butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Transfer the lamb mixture to a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

3. Sprinkle the almond crumble evenly over the top of the lamb mixture.

4. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

5. Use a cooking timer to track your baking time for perfect results.

Serving and Enjoyment

This comforting dish is best enjoyed hot from the oven. The Shepherd's Almond Crumble pairs well with a side salad or some freshly steamed vegetables. The crunchy, nutty topping provides a delightful contrast to the savory lamb and rich vegetables beneath. It's a meal that invites you to relish each bite and perhaps pair it with a glass of earthy red wine.