St. Patrick's Day is coming up and if you're looking for a unique twist on traditional Irish fare, look no further than Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie. This dish, created by Ronnie Nasuti of Tiki's Grill & Bar, is a savory blend of fresh ingredients and game meat, making it the perfect main course for any St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of molokai venison
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- 2 cups of kale or collard greens
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 2 tablespoons of green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chicken or beef stock
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of fire-roasted corn
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and fresh herbs to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped molokai venison to the skillet and cook until browned.
- In a separate bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and add salt, pepper, and green onions.
- Add the peas, carrots, and fire-roasted corn to the venison mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour in the chicken or beef stock and continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Transfer the venison mixture to an oven-safe dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top, covering the mixture completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie.
This Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie is a great alternative to traditional lamb-based shepherd's pie, and the use of venison adds a unique flavor that is sure to impress. The venison used in this recipe is from Molokai, where hunting is allowed due to the large population of deer on the island. The venison has a mild flavor, but if you prefer a stronger game taste, simply add more herbs or seasonings to the dish.
The creamy, gravy-like sauce is made from the combination of flour and chicken or beef stock, and the fresh herbs, garlic, and kale add a touch of green to the dish, making it the perfect meal to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine and enjoy a delicious and unique twist on traditional Irish fare.