Leeks & Chicken Shepherds Pie

Leeks & Chicken Shepherds Pie

Filling:

  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large leeks (white and light green parts, washed and sliced thinly)
  • 1 1/2 cups carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 3 Tbsp all purpose flour (Spelt flour is a great substitute)
  • 2 tsp fresh sage (chopped finely)
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (washed, peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 3/4 cups nonfat buttermilk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Filling Prep:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F and heat 2 tsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add leeks and carrots.
  3. Cook while stirring until leeks soften and become fragrant. About 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and continue to cook while stirring for 1 more minute.
  5. Pour in wine and stir until most liquid has evaporated.
  6. Add flour and sage and continue to cook while stirring. The flour should start to turn a light brown. About 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in broth and simmer.
  8. Stir constantly and wait until sauce thickens and carrots are just tender. About 4-6 minutes.
  9. Add chicken and peas.
  10. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  11. Transfer everything to a deep 10 inch pie pan and set aside.

Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and add cold salted water to cover them.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Cook partially covered until potatoes are tender 10-12 minutes.
  4. Drain water and keep potatoes in pan.
  5. Remove from heat and allow potatoes to dry a bit.
  6. Mash potatoes and add buttermilk to make a smooth puree.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Stir in egg and olive oil.
  9. Spread potatoes on chicken mixture.
  10. Set dish on a baking sheet and bake until potatoes and filling are heated through. Top will turn golden brown about 25-35 minutes.