My mum made the best shepherd's pie; the only complaint she ever got was that there wasn't enough. If I had to choose my all-time favourite family recipe, it would be this. The secret is in browning the mince properly. Remember: no colour, no flavour.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6

　　

For the filling

Olive oil, for frying

　　1 kg minced lamb

　　2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped

　　1 onion, peeled and diced

　　2 leeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise and finely sliced

　　1-2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

　　1-2 Tbsp. tomato purée

　　100 ml red wine

　　250 ml chicken stock

　　2 rosemary springs, leaves only, chopped

　　Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　

For the topping

750g potatoes, e.g. Maris Piper, peeled and cut into chunks

　　50g butter

　　3 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped

　　100g Cheddar cheese, grated

　　50-100ml milk (optional)

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350° F/ 180° C/Gas 4. Place a large, wide frying pan or hob-proof casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Add a dash of oil and fry the mince in batches, seasoning each lot, until well browned. Add the garlic for the last 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

　　

Step 2

Put a little more oil in the same pan and cook the onion and leeks over a medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until completely softened. Add Worcestershire sauce to taste, then stir in the tomato purée.

　　

Step 3

Return the mince to the pan and stir well. Pour in the wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bubble for a couple of minutes to burn off the alcohol, then add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer, then add the rosemary and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Cook gently for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly and the flavours are well-combined. Set aside to cool.

　　

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash until smooth. Mix in the butter and seasoning, then add the spring onions and three-quarters of the cheese and mix again. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the mash is too dry add a splash of milk to loosen.

　　

Step 5

Put the lamb mixture into a 28 x 22cm baking dish and top with the mashed potato. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and little salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potato is golden brown and the meat is bubbling underneath, and serve.

　　by Gordon Ramsay, published by Hodder & Stoughton. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.