Monday, January 26, 2009

Pesto Vegetable Shepard’s Pie


Information

  • Course: main course
  • Total time: under 1 hour
  • Skill level: Easy
  • Cost: Inexpensive
  • Yield: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

Notes

Mashed potato–topped shepherd's pie is usually made from ground meat, but it's the topping that gets my attention. Who doesn't love mashed potatoes, especially when slathered over pesto-coated sautéed vegetables?

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds baking potatoes, such as Burbank or russet
  • 4 medium zucchini, well scrubbed
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons store-bought pesto
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

PREP: Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, then into half-moons. Cut out and discard seeds and ribs from red pepper; cut into ½-inch dice.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place potatoes in large saucepan and add enough lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add sour cream and mash with potato masher or handheld electric mixer. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and red pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in corn and pesto. Season with salt and pepper. Spread vegetables in baking dish. Spread with mashed potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Cut remaining 1 tablespoon butter into small cubes and sprinkle over potatoes.

3. Bake until topping is tinged with brown and cheese melts, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Variation

Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves to the skillet with the zucchini and red pepper.

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