In the world of comfort foods, anything adorned with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes holds a special place. The hearty warmth of this classic dish has the power to transport us to memories of home-cooked meals. But what happens when we add a garden-fresh twist to this all time favorite? Enter the Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish, a creation that marries the coziness of mashed potatoes with the abundance of zucchinis from our gardens.
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Zucchini Abundance:
Every gardener knows the feeling: zucchinis seem to multiply faster than we can pluck them from the vines. These prolific green vegetables have a way of taking over our gardens during the summer months. While we adore their fresh, crisp texture and versatility, there comes a time when we wonder how to keep up with the zucchini parade on our kitchen counters.
The Perfect Solution: Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish
Enter the Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish, the perfect solution to an abundance of zucchinis. This dish allows you to put those garden-fresh treasures to excellent use. Sautéed to tender perfection with onions and garlic, the zucchinis take on a savory flavor. When paired with creamy mashed potatoes, they create a perfect blend that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
How to Create Your Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish:
- Sauté the Zucchinis: Begin by sautéing your zucchinis with onions and garlic until they’re tender and fragrant. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: While your zucchinis are sizzling, prepare a batch of creamy mashed potatoes. These will serve as the top layer, bringing a satisfying richness to the dish.
- Assembly: In a Dutch oven or large skillet, layer the sautéed zucchinis as the base. Then, gently spread the creamy mashed potatoes on top, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Baking Perfection: Pop your creation into the oven and let it bake until the top of the mashed potatoes is golden and inviting.
- Enjoy: Finally, indulge in your Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace of summer’s bounty.
Do You Want to Try Other Amazing Recipes?
So, the next time your garden seems to overflow with zucchinis, don’t fret. Whip up this garden-inspired dish and savor the flavors of comfort and abundance in every bite. The Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish is here to remind us that the best dishes are often the simplest ones, crafted with love and the freshest ingredients from our gardens.
Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish
Course: EntreeCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6
servings25
minutes45
minutes350
kcalThis recipe will yield 6 large servings
Ingredients
- For the Zucchini Layer:
5 small to medium-sized zucchinis
1 large yellow onion
6 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons of salt
Black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
20 grams chopped parsley
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
8 medium-sized potatoes
2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
Directions
- Preparing the Zucchini Layer:
- Start by washing and dicing the zucchinis into small cubes, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Finely dice the large yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a Dutch oven or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced zucchinis to the skillet, along with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchinis are tender and slightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the ground nutmeg over the zucchini mixture, followed by the chopped parsley. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
- In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the zucchini mixture in the skillet, stirring continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat.
- If using a Dutch oven, keep the ready vegetables in there until the next step. If using a large skillet, transfer the vegetables to a 9″x 12″ casserole dish.
- Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel the medium-sized potatoes and cut them into chunks.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use a potato ricer.
- Add the butter and milk to the pot with the mashed potatoes and mix with a wooden spoon.
- Add the salt and add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency, mix until all smooth and combined.
- Assembling the Zucchini Shepherd’s Pie-ish:
- If using a Dutch oven, keep the ready vegetables in there until the next step. If using a large skillet, transfer the vegetables to a 9″x 12″ casserole dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully layer the creamy mashed potatoes over the zucchini mixture, spreading them out to cover the entire surface.
- Optionally, you can create a decorative pattern on the mashed potatoes with a fork.
- Optional as well, you can sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Place the Dutch oven or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top of the mashed potatoes is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
Please be aware that the information provided with this recipe is intended solely for general informational purposes. While we have tried to accurately test this recipe and present precise measurements and instructions, individual results may vary due to differences in ingredient types, cooking equipment, or preparation techniques.The nutritional information accompanying this recipe is not intended as dietary or medical advice. For any specific health or nutritional inquiries, please consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or misrepresentation of the provided information. We encourage users to approach this recipe with a mindful understanding that cooking is both an art and a science, and to use their best judgment in the kitchen.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
28%
- Saturated Fat 0g 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
45g
15%
- Dietary Fiber 7g 29%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 7g 15%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.