Shepherd's Pie

Typically, Shepherd's pie or Pate Chinois as it's called here is made with potatoes, minced meat, a can of creamed corn, butter and cream. Now since this is the kosher version, we will be omitting the dairy and replacing it with oil or shortening.
This is a perfect meal to serve on it's own or with a salad, even steamed or grilled veggies are great as a side dish (kids love it with ketchup). The ingredients are few and the recipe simple, this recipe is not to be mistaken for Moroccan "Pastella", which has similar ingredients, but is not the same.
Here's what you'll need:

1 Pyrex or heavy duty foil pan (9 x 9 inches)
6 to 7 large boiling potatoes (I like white potatoes starchy like Idaho)
1 pound kosher ground beef
1 can creamed corn
1 medium diced onion
4 tbsps canola oil (or 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp parve margarine)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp Osem chicken soup
1 egg beaten + 1 tbsp water
salt & pepper
paprika to sprinkle over finished pie

Start by heating 2 tbsps of oil in a large pan or skillet then add in the onion, lower the heat to medium, and let the onions sweat for about 5 minutes, do not let them color too much, you want them translucent. To the onions, then add the meat that you've broken up into pieces, a bay leaf, 1/2 cup cold water and some salt and pepper. Let the meat cook for about 30 minutes, stirring it, while breaking up the pieces along the way (you want to make a migga) to get a nice texture.
While the meat is cooking, add 2 litres of cold water in a large pot, then add some salt (about 1/2 tsp) and then the potatoes that you've peeled and cut in half, bring to a boil and let them cook till tender. To make sure that they are cooked, you can insert a knife in the middle and when it goes in and out right away, they are done (you can also steam them if you prefer).
When the meat is ready and the potatoes are boiled it's time to start the assembling. First, mash the potatoes then add salt, pepper, the chicken soup mix and the remaining oil or margarine, make sure everything is well incorporated, taste to make sure the seasonings are to your liking. Then open the can of corn and pour it into the Pyrex, add the layer of meat carefully over top, make sure to spread it all over and finally top with the potatoes. The easiest way is to add spoonfuls in each corner of the Pyrex then the middle and so on till you have most of the tray covered, then with a fork press them down to fully cover the top. You should have a nice top layer that is about a inch thick. Brush on the egg and water mixture and place in a preheated 350F oven and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour or till golden brown. When done, sprinkle some paprika over top, let it cool for about 10 minutes and serve.
Enjoy!