Interested in learning something special to cook for your loved ones? Try your hands at the famous Italian Shepherds pie to bring a smile to the faces of the ones whom you love.
The Italian library for pies is extensive. You will be able to find so many different kinds of pie recipes and all of them have something unique about them. The Italians are very fond of pies and you will be able to find a wide variety of different pie recipes from the different regions of the country. Even a similar kind of pie is made in different ways in the different regions. Make no mistake this is no dessert pie that we are talking about; rather these are meat pies that are served as a special treat on special occasions.
The trend of meat pies started off long ago in Italy as part of the Easter celebrations. The holiday that followed a 40 day period of fasting with Fridays being meatless days saw the Italians celebrate by preparing special meat pies. Different regions in the country used their meat of choice and prepared the pie in their own way. Over the years however their pie recipes have crossed borders, cultures and religions and are today enjoyed by a lot of people around the world.
Making the Italian Shepherds pie
With your oven preheat to 400°F on the side place a large pot of water on high heat to cook the pasta. Add salt and pasta and cook until al dente as per packet directions. Transfer the pasta back to the pot after draining the water. On the side you will have to place another large skillet over high heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil. When the oil is heated add the ground turkey breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook for around 10 minutes until your turkey has a nice brown color.
Next you will add the veggies to the cooked turkey and cook them for around five minutes to make them tender. To this you will add half a cup of chicken stock, poultry seasoning, tomato paste, salt and pepper. At this time you should lower the heat and cook for five minutes while stirring off and on. Side by side you should place a medium sized saucepot on medium heat with butter. Add flour to the melted butter and cook for one minute making sure it doesn’t burn. Add some milk and rest of the chicken stock to the pan cooking it till it thickens. After turning off the heat add the cheeses and melt them in while seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Next up is the process of composing the pie. You will start off by laying down the turkey and veggie mixture on the bottom of a large oven safe baking dish. While you do this you should also add the cheese to the pasta in the big pot. After nicely mixing in the cheese you should transfer the contents onto the baking dish and spread it over the turkey and veggie mix evenly. You can sprinkle the tray with Asiago to give it an additional taste. Now bake it for about 10 minutes until you have the top turn golden brown. Your Italian shepherd’s pie is now ready to be served.
