Spring Lamb Pie for an Easy Springtime Dinner
 
 
Ingredients
  • 2-4 Tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 pounds ground lamb
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon mace (or nutmeg)
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup canned or boxed crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup red wine (optional)
For the béchamel sauce:
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 Tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (whole milk makes a difference. Don't try this with skim)
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Lightly slick a 12-inch cast iron pan with oil and heat over medium high heat.
  3. Add onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Stir until beginning to soften.
  4. Add lamb and continue to stir and break up the meat until brown. Drain fat.
  5. Add garlic, stir and heat through for about 1 minute.
  6. Add salt, mace and allspice and stir until combined.
  7. If using wine (and I recommend you do) pour over spiced meat and bubble over high heat until reduced and liquid evaporates.
  8. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine and lower heat to medium high. Simmer until thickened.
  9. While meat sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce.
  10. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  11. Add flour and stir into the butter with a whisk to make a paste. Stir for about a minute.
  12. Pour in milk, nutmeg and salt, stir and let bubble softly over medium heat until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  13. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Then add parmesan cheese and beaten eggs, stir well to combine. Set aside.
  14. When meat sauce has thickened, use a spatula and spread meat across pan in an even layer. Pour béchamel over meat. Smooth with a spatula so meat is evenly covered. Sprinkle the top with a pinch of nutmeg.
  15. Place in the oven and bake until browned, about 20 minutes.
Recipe by FamilyandForks at https://www.familyandforks.com/spring-lamb-pie-for-an-easy-springtime-dinner/