WEST INDIES SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• Potatoes
• Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in water to cover by 1"; season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fork-tender, 10-12 minutes.
• Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add garlic, milk, butter, pepper, and 1 tsp. salt. Using a potato masher or pastry cutter, mash potatoes until smooth. Cover and set aside.
• Filling and assembly
• While potatoes are cooking, mix chicken, scallions, lime zest, habanero, bitters, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl with a fork to combine. Let sit 10 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium. Add chicken mixture and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon and stirring often, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato, carrots, ginger, ketchup, thyme, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat as needed to maintain a simmer, until filling is thickened slightly and carrots are softened, 10-12 minutes.
• Transfer filling to a 3-qt. baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spoon reserved mashed potatoes over and smooth into an even layer; sprinkle cheese on top. Bake shepherd's pie until filling is bubbling around the edges and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
• Heat broiler. Broil pie until cheese is beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.