Lebanese Inspired Cottage Pie

Let me just say, "nom-nom-nom!" I really loved this play on my boyfriend's English and Lebanese culture by making this Cottage Pie with a traditional Lebanese Seven Spice Mixture.

I can't help but love the way the spices mix together with what is normally just the savory taste of an English Cottage Pie. The spices made it seem lighter, more aromatic, and it just smells amazing.

Lebanese Inspired Cottage Pie

• Hamburger (1 Pound)
• Baby Carrots (2 Cups, Diced)
• Peas (1 Cup)
• Onion (Finely Chopped)
• Butter (1 Tablespoon)
• Chicken Broth (1 Cup)
• Black Pepper (1/2 Teaspoon)
• Clove (2 Whole Pieces)
• Cinnamon (1 Teaspoon)
• Cardamom (1 Teaspoon)
• Nutmeg (1 Teaspoon)
• Ginger (1 Teaspoon)
• Potatoes (3, Diced)
• Milk (2 Tablespoons)

Instructions

• Take the Butter, and sauté for five minutes the Carrots, and Onions.
• Add in the Hamburger, and Peas. Cook until the Hamburg is just about cooked through. Drain the grease from the pan and set aside.
• In the meantime bring together the Chicken Broth, Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg, and Ginger together to a boil and until well dissolved. Remove the two cloves from the broth and pour into the pan with the Hamburger, Peas, Carrots, and Onions.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and in boiling water add the Potatoes. Cook these until they are finished, and drain.
• In the same pot add in the Milk and mash till smooth and creamy.
• In a large casserole dish put in the meat mixture, and top generously with the mashed potatoes. Bake for only about 20 minutes max, as everything is already cooked through.
• Plate and Enjoy!

You don't have to have Lebanese in your roots to appreciate this, and honestly at the end of the day I just like good tasting food! If you do too, then give this twist on a traditional Cottage Pie a try!