Succulent Shepherd's Pie
Ever heard of food made out of waste? Yes, you read that right! I am sure most of you are aware of this delicious dish that has its origin from Britain. But have you ever thought how this delicious dish got its name?
This was a dish prepared quite often by the shepherds or their wives for dinner using leftover food, as mashed potatoes were a staple and often wasted by the husbands and children of the family, the wives came up with this solution. How wonderful of an idea to not waste it and come up with a dish that is now a favorite worldwide and loved!
Shepherd's pie as the name suggests is a pie that was invented by Shepherd's in Britain in 1700's and later it was introduced in Ireland and other countries like France and India also adopted the dish too. In short, this is a dish that is equally loved among people all over the world, in different names.
The dish consists of two layers and occasionally three layers. The pie is usually prepared in a dutch oven or an ovenproof casserole dish, with the first layer consisting of minced lamb that is cooked with chopped onion, garlic and other spices with a dash of tomato paste and the base is thickened using a sprinkle of flour to bring the meat pie together and the second layer consists of a mashed potato layer, that is baked until golden and crisp. This dish is so comforting and flavorful. It keeps you full at the same time, it is super delicious. The same dish is also called cottage pie when the minced meat is that of beef.
There are many variations of Shepherd's pie with different flavorings to suit one's taste buds. Another variation is also made in vegetarian using lentils and other pulses along with sweet potato that I had once come across that is of Jamie Oliver's recipe.
I had Shepherd's pie from a restaurant first time in my life, and then and there I knew I had to remake this at home and Oh boy does everyone love it here? It just vanishes in no time. Whenever I prepare this, I actually feel the warmth and love that the shepherd's wives put into the making of this dish. If you ask me why I love to make this dish? I prepare the meat base in my dutch oven that is oven proof and simply add on the mashed potatoes, so easy to prepare and fewer dishes to wash, also the oven does the rest of the work for you! Shepherd's pie done, in no time at all!
It isn't necessarily the same ingredients and the same flavor, it varies from houses to houses. So like I always say, I don't follow a particular recipe and this recipe is my own with adaptations from the authentic ones that I could find. Make yourself feel good by making some for your family and let me know how you liked it! Let's move on to the ingredients:
Ingredients:
Mashed Potatoes layer:
- 3 large potatoes
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Fresh or thick cream
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- Salt as required
Meat Layer:
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 500 gm minced meat
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp Cajun spice, freshly cracked(optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- A pinch of Oregano
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 cup frozen corn niblets
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Scauce (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, as required
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven at 200 °C.
- Boil evenly chopped Potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes or until knife glides in easily.
- In an ovenproof skillet or dutch oven pour your olive oil, and add in your butter.
- Next add in your finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sautee well.
- Next add in your chopped carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Add your minced meat and break using a strong spatula or a wooden spoon, add salt as required. Meanwhile also keep an eye on your potatoes and strain when done.
- Add your spices like black pepper powder, cajun spice, rub the dried rosemary between your fingers and ad it to the skillet, finalyy add a pinch of oregano and mix everything well.
- Next add your tomato paste, worcestershire sauce and Sprinkle your flour.
- Combine well and add in your beef stock water.
- Drop in your frozen corn niblets and frozen green Peas.
- To prepare your mashed potatoes layer, mash your boiled potatoes well, add in the butter, thick cram, grated parmesan cheese and 1 egg yolk.
- Also add in black pepper powder and garlic powder.
- Level your meat layer and add your mashed potatoes layer above the meat year and level it using a Spatula or use a fork to make a design according to your preference.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the mashed potatoes layer turn golden.
- Enjoy!
Notes:
- You may use beef or lamb Mince for this pie.
- Increase or decrease the quantity of potatoes depending on the size of your skillet or Dutch oven.
- Try to use fresh Mince meat for better flavor.
