Meat
and potatoes are a classic combination, beloved for its rustic charm but also
for its comforting heartiness. The British version of meat and potatoes called Lancashire Hotpot. This dish has everything that we
crave: hearty potatoes with a golden crispy top, stewed beef in creamy gravy,
and lots of onions and carrots.
2 Pounds lamb shoulder, trimmed of
excess fat and sinew and cut into cubes
4 lambs kidneys, cleaned, trimmed,
cut into quarters
1/4 Cup All-purpose flour
3 Ounces rendered lard plus more
for brushing the potatoes
2 Large Spanish onions, sliced
1 Cup finely chopped celery
1 Large carrot, peeled and sliced ¼
inch thick
1 3/4 Cups chicken broth
8 Ounces sliced fresh Cremini
mushrooms
2 Teaspoons dried herbs (sage,
rosemary, and thyme)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon Kitchen bouquet
2 Bay leaves
Salt
White and black Pepper
3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly
sliced
Preheat oven to
325°F. Oil casserole with olive oil. Heat the lard
in a large frying pan.
Flour meat and
shake off excess. Fry quickly on all sides until brown. Remove meat and line
casserole.
Add a bit of
additional lard, add sliced onions, chopped celery and carrot to pan and cook
until onions begin to clear.
Place vegetables atop
of meat.
Sprinkle
remaining flour in frying pan and cook, stirring constantly until light brown.
Gradually pour in
stock and stir until mixture comes to the boil. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper,
herbs, bay leaves, Kitchen bouquet and Worcestershire sauce; simmering until sauce begins to thicken.
Remove from heat. Correct the seasonings1 and pour over meat and
vegetables.
Place overlapping
slices of potato to carpet the meat and vegetables. Salt and pepper the
potatoes. Cover casserole dish with lid and place in the preheated oven.
Cook for one hour
and 40 minutes or more until the meat is
tender. Turn up the oven to 400 F. Remove lid, brush potatoes with lard then
continue cooking until potatoes are golden browned. Serve hot.
Notes:
- Correct the
seasoning could include a touch of vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar, more
pepper (including red pepper), some port or Madeira.
The gravy should jolly well taste great!