Instructions
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Prepare the potato topping first. Peel and chop 1.5 kg of potatoes into even-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot.
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Cover the potatoes with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to medium and boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
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Carefully drain all the water from the cooked potatoes using a colander.
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Mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth. You can use a potato ricer or a potato masher.
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Add 30g of butter, 5 tablespoons of double cream, and 2 egg yolks to the mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined.
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Season the potato mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Set this aside.
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Next, prepare the chicken filling. Melt 30g of butter in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
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Add 7 shallots, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 sticks of celery to the pan. Cook these vegetables gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft.
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Add 1 finely chopped garlic clove to the pan. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
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Pour in 4 tablespoons of white wine. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
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Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato purée, 400g of tinned tomatoes, and 350ml of chicken stock.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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Add 600g of shredded chicken, 16 black olives, and 2 tablespoons of parsley to the pan. Stir well.
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Season the chicken filling with salt and pepper to your taste.
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4).
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Transfer the chicken filling mixture into a 20x30cm (8x12 inch) ovenproof dish. Spread it evenly at the bottom.
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Carefully spread the prepared mashed potato topping evenly over the chicken filling. Make sure the filling is completely covered.
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Grate 50g of Gruyère cheese over the potato topping.
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Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
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The dish is ready when it is piping hot all the way through and the potato topping is golden-brown.