Traditional Hachis Parmentier

Name: Traditional Hachis Parmentier
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 kg potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1/2 cup milk (warmed); 1/4 cup butter (softened); 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated); black pepper (to taste); 500 g ground beef; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp thyme (dried); salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

85 min 6 servings Medium

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Traditional Hachis Parmentier

A comforting French casserole featuring savoury beef beneath a layer of creamy mashed potatoes.

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Total

85 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Hachis Parmentier is a classic French dish named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French pharmacist and nutritionist who popularized the potato in France. This dish is often compared to shepherd's pie but has its own unique French flair, featuring layers of seasoned meat and creamy mashed potatoes. The beauty of Hachis Parmentier lies in its simplicity and heartwarming flavours. It's a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of succulent meat and buttery potatoes creates a harmony of flavours that is both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients

Servings

Mashed Potatoes

Meat Filling

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potatoes

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Stir in the warm milk, butter, salt, nutmeg, and pepper until creamy.

Pro tip: Use a potato ricer for the smoothest texture.

Cook the meat filling

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pro tip: Break up any large chunks of meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Assemble the casserole

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Pro tip: For an attractive finish, create patterns on the mashed potatoes with a fork.

Bake the dish

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Let it rest

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Pro tip: Resting allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>For a richer taste, use a mix of ground beef and pork.</li><li>Ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy for the best texture.</li><li>Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more aromatic flavour.</li><li>Allow the casserole to rest before serving for easier slicing.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hachis Parmentier with a green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal. This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an additional 20 minutes to the cooking time.