Eggplant Shepherd's Pie

This Greek inspired shepherd's pie is made with pork, eggplant and oregano. The mashed potato topping gets its Greek flavor from Parmesan cheese and garlic. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh oregano, if desired. This is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. When I make them, I always make a huge pot.

Serves 8

1 large eggplant
¼ cup salt

Canola or olive oil spray
1 cup diced onion

¼ cup chopped garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 pound lean boneless Pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
All purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes in juice
1 cup beef broth
3 cups Mashed Potatoes
2 Tbsp. chopped garlic
3/4 cup (3 oz.) grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Wash and peel eggplant. Dice into ¾ to 1 inch cubes and layer in large bowl, sprinkling each layer with salt. Let stand 10 minutes. Fill with cold water and let stand 10 more minutes. Drain and layer on paper towels to dry.

Heat a large metal pot until hot and dry. Remove from heat and coat with canola oil spray. Return to very low heat while dicing onion and pork. Add eggplant, onion, garlic and oregano to seasoned pot and sauté until tender, about 12 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl.

Dust pork with flour to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in same pot over medium-high heat. Sauté pork until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.

Add wine to pot. Increase heat and boil until wine evaporates, scraping up browned bits, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice and broth; bring to boil. Add pork with any accumulated juices. Cover; reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour. Uncover and continue to simmer until pork is very tender and gravy thickens slightly, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish lightly with canola oil spray.

Stir eggplant mix into pork. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Put mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Stir in cheese and garlic. Drop potatoes over filling by heaping tablespoonfuls, covering completely. Bake until filling is heated through and topping is golden, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano before serving.

Serve with a Greek salad and crusty rolls.

Adapted from: Lamb and Eggplant Shepherd's Pie | Jeanne Thiel Kelley | Bon Appétit | March 2009 | http://www.epicurious.com