LAMB AND WILD MUSHROOM SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• To make the filling, cut the lamb into 1/2-inch pieces. Stem and cut the mushrooms into 3/4-inch pieces.
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and allspice. Add the lamb and toss to coat evenly.
• In a large nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm 2 Tb of the olive oil. Add the lamb and saute until well browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Add the remaining 1 Tb oil to the pan. Add the shallots and garlic and stir for 1 minute.
• Add the mushrooms and the bay leaf and saute until well browned, about 6 minutes.
• Return the lamb to the pan, stir in the stock and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the lamb is tender, about 45 minutes.
• Uncover and simmer until the juices thicken, about 2 minutes. Transfer the filling to a 9-inch pie dish.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• To make the topping, pour water to a depth of 1 inch into a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Peel and slice the potatoes into rounds 1/4 inch thick. Put the potatoes into a steamer basket and set the basket over boiling water. (The water should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket).
• Cover and steam until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a small knife, about 12 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
• Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash well with a potato masher. Stir in half of the chives. Spoon the potatoes on top of the lamb mixture to cover it completely.
• Bake until the pie is heated through and the potatoes begin to brown, about 35 minutes.
• Sprinkle with remaining chives and serve immediately.