Hachis Parmentier – France

Certainly! Hachis Parmentier is a classic French dish, similar to shepherd’s pie, made with layers of seasoned ground meat and mashed potatoes. Here’s a traditional recipe for you to enjoy:

Hachis Parmentier

Ingredients:

For the Meat Filling:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using, add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use a ricer for a smoother texture.
4. Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter is melted and the milk is warm.
5. Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

3. Assemble and Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Spread the cooked meat filling evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Top the meat filling with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out with a fork to cover the filling completely.
4. If desired, sprinkle the grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Hachis Parmentier, a comforting French classic!