# Shepherd's Pie: IDDSI Level 5 recipe

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/recipes/shepherds-pie-level-5](https://followyourswallow.com/recipes/shepherds-pie-level-5)

Level 5: Minced & Moist | 45 min | Serves 1 + the family

## Family version

- Ground lamb or beef in gravy
- Peas & carrots
- Mashed potato crust

## Level 5 ingredients

- 150 g cooked ground meat from the family pie
- 120 g mashed potatoes, extra moist
- 80 g cooked carrots, finely diced
- 150 ml thick gravy
- Knob of butter

## Method

1. Make the family shepherd's pie as usual, simmering the meat until completely tender.
2. Check the mince size: pieces no larger than 4 mm. They should fit between the prongs of a fork. Chop further if needed.
3. Fold the mince through enough thick gravy that every piece is coated and nothing runs thin on the plate.
4. Mash the carrots to soft 4 mm pieces; skip the peas for this plate. Skins are hard to manage at Level 5.
5. Layer mince, carrots, and extra-moist mash. Fork pressure test: every component squashes easily with light pressure.

## Equipment

Fork for testing, potato masher

## Practical tip

Gravy is the binder that makes Level 5 work, when in doubt, add more and thicken it properly.

## Before serving

Run the appropriate IDDSI fork and spoon tests on the finished serving. Recipes guide the preparation; only testing confirms how the serving behaves.

## Safety

Use only the food and drink levels prescribed by the person's qualified clinician. Test the actual serving before it is eaten or drunk.