When Michael Jackson Meets The Shepherd

Yesterday was a long day at work for me. In a short period from 9am till 1pm, I screened through heaps of drug charts, rang up prescribers for pharmacotherapy interventions, checked through the medication trolleys and indents, dispensed medications to patients and answered queries. Hurried back home later to cook some lunch before JW starts work at 3pm and mine at 5pm. In less than 1 1/2 hours, this is what we had for lunch: Shepherd's Pie & Micheal Jackson drink. 
Many do not know about this MJ drink. Not even JW and the many friends whom I have met in Tawau. MJ drink is a refreshing Malaysian beverage which consists of soya bean milk and grass jelly (cincau). Grass jelly is known for reducing body heatiness on a hot day, and is definitely yummy!

Why named after the king of pop? Hmm, perhaps, related to his obvious skin colour change and also in reference to one of his greatest hits, Black or White. :) 

Here's the recipes for my version of Shepherd's Pie and Michael Jackson drink.

SHEPHERD'S PIE

(Yield: 3-4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sized potatoes (cubed) 
• 150g ground beef
• 1/4 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1/4 cup corns 
• 1/2 cup cooked kidney beans
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 onion (chopped) 
• 130mL of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1/2 tablespoon light oil 
• black pepper*
• salt*
• dried oregano*
• basil*
• chicken stock seasoning* 
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese                                                                                                            Note: * To taste, may use other seasonings of choice

Directions:

1. Bring the potatoes to boil until tender in salted water (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash the potatoes. Mix in butter, pepper, half of the cheese, basil and oregano. Set aside. 
2. Heat some oil in frying pan. Saute the onions and carrots, until they begin to take on colour. Then, mix in garlic, corn, beef and kidney beans. Cook until beef is well browned. Add in tomato puree, chicken stock seasoning, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. 
3. Spoon the the ground beef mixture into baking dish and spread evenly. Top up with mashed potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. 
4. Bake in preheated oven (at about 200°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. 

Note:

1. You can thinly line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with the mashed potatoes before spooning in the beef mixture.

THE MICHAEL JACKSON DRINK

(Yield: 2 servings)

Ingredients:

• 300 mL soya bean milk (chilled)
• 1 cup of grass jelly (diced or shredded)  

Directions:  Mix both ingredients and serve chilled. 

Note:  For variety, may use corn flavoured soya bean milk or add some cooked kidney beans. I have tried all these and they taste awesome!!

XOXO, 

Carmen