Hachis Parmentier: The Ultimate Gourmet Dish

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Hachis Parmentier, a classic French comfort food that will tantalize your taste buds.

This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with a delectable ground beef and vegetable filling, all baked to golden perfection.

Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, Hachis Parmentier is an elegant yet satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2.5 lbs (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
• 4 tbsp (60 g) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, and carrots over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the peas, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the mixture is thickened.
4. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, and salt to the pot, and mash until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Tips and Tricks:

• To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils and mushrooms, and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and replace half of the potatoes with cauliflower in the mash.

Nutritional Information:

Substitution Options:

If you cannot find or do not like ground beef, you can use ground pork, lamb, or even a meatless substitute. You can also replace the peas with any other green vegetable that you prefer, such as green beans or broccoli.

Wine or Beverage Pairings:

A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Côtes du Rhône, would complement the rich flavors of Hachis Parmentier. Alternatively, a creamy Chardonnay or a crisp French lager would also make excellent pairings for this delicious dish.