Slow cooker shepherd's pie

There are many recipes for shepherd's pie. Most recipes call for ground lamb or beef topped with mashed potatoes. Judith Finlayson in her cookbook Slow Cooker Recipes has a unique interpretation of this dish which inspired me to create my own version. The only common aspect is the mashed potatoes. If you use a slow cooker often, I recommend this cookbook because of her use of unusual ingredients and flavor combinations. Adjust the number of dried chiles and jalapeños to suit your taste. For mild palates, use the lower amount I recommend. For spicy, use the upper amount. If you want really spicy, add even more.

  
    Recipe serves
    Active time
    Total time
  

    6 - 8 people
    30m
    3h 30m - 6h 30m
  

Ingredients
2 - 3 dried New Mexico, ancho, or guajillo chiles
or 1 - 2 tablespoons dried ancho or chili powder
1 recipe Mashed potatoes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 1/2 pounds pork roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1- 2 jalapeños, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

  
    Special equipment needed
  
    Large skillet
  
    Slow cooker

  
    Variations
  
    • Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.

  
    Storage
  
    • Can be made, covered and refrigerated, 1 - 2 days ahead and gently reheated.

Instructions
• If you are using dried chiles, cover with boiling water and let soak 30 minutes until soft. Drain. Remove the seeds, if desired. Chop and set aside.
• Make sure the mashed potatoes are prepared.
• Combine the cumin, oregano, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If you are using ground chili powder, add it also. Stir to combine.
• Turn on a slow cooker. Dry the pork pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add as many pieces of pork as you can to the skillet without crowding. Brown on all sides. Remove the pork from the pan and add to a slow cooker. Repeat this step until all the pork is browned adding, more oil as necessary.
• Add the chopped onions and chiles to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft, about 5 - 10 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeños, and spices. Stir and cook 1 - 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
• Add the vinegar to the skillet, turn the heat to medium-high and *deglaze* the skillet using a metal spatula or wooden spoon.
• Top with mashed potatoes.
• Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.

Comments on this recipe?