Smoked Sausage Shepherds Pie

Shepherds pie is a dish that dates way back in history and when most people think of it they think of peas, carrots, ground meat (lamb) and slathered in mashed potatoes. Here is my twist on this old fashioned classic meal.

1 package of turkey smoked sausage small diced
1 medium yellow onion minced
5 small carrots cut into rings
1 green be pepper minced
5 stalks of celery with leafy tips chopped
1/4 cup fresh chard optional
1 cup fresh spinach optional (can use frozen/thawed in place of fresh)
2 tablespoons tomato sauce (left over from last night)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon each cayenne and black pepper
5 potatoes pealed and cubed
1/2 cup chicken brother (left over from last night)
4 tablespoons of butter
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded

Peal and cube the potatoes and put them in a pot of cold water. Bring this to a boil. While the potatoes are cooking add the onions, carrots, celery and bell peppers to a large heavy bottom skillet. Add the spices. Let this cook for about 5 minutes then add the sausage and tomato sauce. Let this cook for another 10 minutes then add it to a 13x9 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Drain the potatoes and add them back to the hot pot. Add the butter, chicken broth, salt and pepper and mash these with a potato masher. Add in the mozzarella cheese and mix well. Spread the potato mixture on top of the vegetable mixture, make sure to seal the sides with the.m. Add the cheddar cheese on top and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Turn the oven to broil and let it get golden brown. For more on this meal or any others please email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com