A Holiday Fusion Dish Born for the Penobscot Valley: The Latke-Crusted Shepherd’s Pie

As winter settles into the Penobscot Valley, holiday lights are beginning to sparkle from Bangor to Orono, bringing a welcome warmth to the chilly air.

 

This is a season of cherished traditions, from last week end's downtown Festival of Lights Parade to the community Menorah lighting in Pierce Park.

 

For families that celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, finding a centerpiece dish can be a delicious challenge.

 

Enter the perfect holiday fusion dish: Latke-Crusted Shepherd's Pie.

 

It's a brilliant combination of cozy comfort foods, replacing the standard mashed potato topping with a crispy, golden crown of potato latke.

 

Imagine the savory aroma of a classic shepherd's pie filling mingling with the irresistible scent of frying potatoes.

 

This is more than a meal; it's a conversation starter and a new tradition waiting to happen.

 

Crafting the Hearty Filling

 

Start by browning one pound of ground beef or lamb, sourced fresh from a local spot like the Bangor Farmer's Market, with a chopped onion.

 

Stir in tomato paste and a tablespoon of flour, then slowly add a cup of beef broth or leftover gravy to create a rich sauce.

 

Fold in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables and let it simmer until thickened before pouring it into a buttered casserole dish.

 

Creating the Crispy Latke Crown

 

Grate three large Russet potatoes and half an onion.

 

Now for the most important step: you must squeeze every drop of water from the grated mixture using a clean towel.

 

This ensures maximum crispiness.

 

In a separate bowl, mix the dry potato-onion blend with a large egg, salt, and garlic powder.

 

Spread this raw latke mixture evenly over your savory filling.

 

Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the top is a deep golden brown.

 

This dish is a testament to the creative spirit of Maine winters, blending traditions into something new and utterly delicious.

 

It’s the kind of inventive comfort food perfect for a snowy Maine evening.

 

Let it cool slightly before serving, and watch as this memorable dish becomes the star of your holiday table.