In the South Arm Community Kitchen, Minoo demonstrated this Pastel de Papa dish, especially for Emily. Emily had requested recipes for potatoes as her son loves potatoes. Unfortunately, on the day of the demonstration, Emily called in sick at the last minute. So, Emily, you can check in here for the recipe.

I like the name Pastel de Papa. Sounds like Papa’s Pie. Actually it means just Potato Pie in Spanish. This is really similar to Shepherd’s Pie in that it is covered with mashed potatoes.

Pastel de Papa is a popular Argentina food. It is also known as Chilean potato pie which is a staple in that country. It’s a hearty country food and simple to make. This is a great dish for potluck party.

Ingredients

• 10 to 12 potatoes, peel and cut into chunks
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 medium onions, dice
• 2 tablespoons oils
• 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• a large can of diced tomatoes
• 3 or four eggs
• 1/2 cup green pitted olives
• 1/3 cup raisins
• paprika, salt and pepper to taste
• chili flakes to taste, optional
• freshly chopped cilantro, optional
• few pinches of ground nutmeg

Source: Minoo

Instructions

Boiled the eggs in boiling water for about 15 minutes to make hard boiled eggs. Peel and chop the hard boiled eggs. If you are watching your cholesterol, you can discard the egg yolk. Chopped the pitted green olives.

Boil potatoes in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain the potatoes when they are fork tender.

In a large saute pan, saute onions in oil until tender. Add ground beef to onions and brown well.

Season with paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Minoo also added some chili flakes to spike up the dish.

Add tomatoes (add a little juice from the tomatoes if needed) and let simmer for a while. Remove from heat.

Add eggs and olives.

Add raisins and some freshly chopped cilantro. Stir to mix well.

Season the potatoes with butter, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add milk to the potatoes.

Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Use half of the mashed potatoes to line a greased 13″x 9″ baking pan. Pour the beef mixtures on top of the mash potatoes and spread evenly to cover the whole pan.

Dollop the remaining mash potatoes on top of the beef mixture and smooth out with a spatula.

Brush the top with egg wash or sprinkle with cheese or Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.