INGREDIENTS:

For the mashed potatoes:

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 4 tablespoons of butter (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup fresh milk
• Water
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or crumbled
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the meat mixture:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 piece of small carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup peas
• 4 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece of medium onion, chopped
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

HOW TO COOK:

For the mashed potatoes:

1. In a large pot, place the potatoes and cover with enough cold water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, heat and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl.
5. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.
6. Add the milk and butter and mix well with a wooden spoon.
7. You can mix in the cheese at this point (or you can just sprinkle it on top before baking).
8. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

For the meat mixture:

1. Pour and heat the oil in a large skillet or skillet.
2. Sauté the garlic and onion for about a minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions and tomatoes have softened.
4. Add the ground beef and pork.
5. Break up with a fork to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Season with soy sauce and black pepper and cook until meat is browned.
7. Add the red bell pepper and carrots then simmer covered for about 5-8 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
8. Uncover and add the raisins, turn up the heat and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
9. Add the peas and cook for a couple more minutes.
10. Adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

Assembly:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F or 175 C.
2. Place meat mixture in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish or similar saucepan.
3. Pour the mashed potatoes over the meat and vegetables.
4. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes have lightly browned on top and the meat mixture is bubbly.
5. Serve from the baking dish. Enjoy!