Duck Shepherd’s Pie

“A gourmet twist on a comforting classic, combining rich duck confit with velvety mashed potatoes.”
Thomy

The Story Behind Duck Shepherd’s Pie

The Duck Shepherd’s Pie takes inspiration from the French Hachis Parmentier, a dish that shares its comforting essence with the British shepherd’s pie. Both feature a rich meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, but Hachis Parmentier is traditionally made with finely minced meat, often enhanced by wine and herbs for a sophisticated touch. This version elevates the French classic with the luxurious addition of duck confit, creating a dish that feels both familiar and refined.

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About the Recipe

This recipe pairs tender, shredded duck confit with a base of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a splash of red wine, reminiscent of the depth of flavors found in Hachis Parmentier. The filling is topped with golden, creamy potato purée, enriched with Parmesan cheese for a crisp finish. The result is a dish that blends the comforting heartiness of both French and British traditions while offering a gourmet twist.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 4 duck confit legs, shredded
• 1 tbsp duck fat (from the confit)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 150ml red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Potato Topping:

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 50g butter
• 100ml heavy cream (or plant-based milk for a lighter version)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat duck fat in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, followed by the red wine, and simmer until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
4. Mix in the shredded duck confit and fresh thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer the filling to a baking dish.

2. Make the Potato Topping

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, cream, and half the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread the potato purée evenly over the filling in the baking dish. Use a fork to create ridges for a crispy finish.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.

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Thomy Twist

The luxurious use of duck confit brings a French-inspired refinement to this dish, enhancing the traditional Hachis Parmentier with deeper flavors. The addition of red wine, fresh thyme, and a crisp layer of Parmesan cheese transforms this comfort classic into a gourmet delight.

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Elevate the Experience

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Why You’ll Love This

This Duck Shepherd’s Pie is a fusion of the comforting essence of Hachis Parmentier and the hearty satisfaction of a shepherd’s pie. With tender duck confit, rich flavors, and a golden potato topping, it’s the perfect combination of tradition and elegance for any occasion.