Shepherd’s Pie (West Indies)

Shepherd’s pie is an English classic traditionally made with ground lamb, but it’s the kind of comforting format (ground meat base plus creamy potato topping) that can be easily riffed on. This version leans toward warm aromatics, incorporating bright bursts of the tropics - ginger, habanero chile, lime - as well as Angostura bitters, a spiced and aromatic concoction that isn’t just for cocktails.

Potatoes:
2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, cut into 2" pieces
1 tsp. sea salt
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ cup whole milk
4 Tbsp. butter
¼ tsp. black pepper, coarsely ground

Filling and Assembly:
1 lb ground chicken
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 lime, freshly zested
½ habanero chile, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Angostura bitters
1½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper, coarsely ground
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui, finely chopped
8 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled, finely chopped
1 (1") piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
¼ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
2 oz white cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (~ ½ cup)

For the Potatoes:
Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in water to cover by 1"; season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, 10-12 minutes.

Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add garlic, milk, butter, pepper and 1 tsp. salt. Using a potato masher or pastry cutter, mash potatoes until smooth. Cover and set aside.

Filling and Assembly:
While potatoes are cooking, mix chicken, scallions, lime zest, habanero, bitters, salt and pepper in a medium bowl with a fork to combine. Let sit 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5).

Heat oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium. Add chicken mixture and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon and stirring often, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato, carrots, ginger, ketchup, thyme and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat as needed to maintain a simmer, until filling is thickened slightly and carrots are softened, 10-12 minutes.

Transfer filling to a 3 qt baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spoon reserved mashed potatoes over and smooth into an even layer; sprinkle cheese on top. Bake shepherd’s pie until filling is bubbling around the edges and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.

Heat broiler. Broil pie until cheese is beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 4 servings.