Shepherd’s pie
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Instructions
Meat sauce
Mashed potatoes
Tips
Cut your carrots and other vegetables into small, uniform pieces. That way, you ensure that they are all cooked evenly, so every bite is bound to be perfect.
Tips
Go for starchy potatoes like the Russets or the Yukon Golds. These types tend to have a fluffy texture that will break down more easily, resulting in a smooth mashed potato mixture.
Tips
Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top of the meat sauce, and if you like, see if you can create decorative swirls. By doing so, you are giving the dish a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Meat sauce
| 10 g | |
|
Onions, chopped
|
2 |
|
Garlic cloves, finely chopped
|
3 |
|
Minced lamb
|
500 g |
|
Coarse salt
|
1 tsp |
|
Wheat flour (about 20 g)
|
2 tbsp |
|
Worcestershire sauce
|
100 ml |
|
Concentrated tomato purée
|
1 tbsp |
|
Concentrated beef stock
|
1 tbsp |
|
Water
|
300 ml |
|
Carrots, coarsely diced
|
200 g |
|
Frozen peas
|
200 g |
Mashed potato
|
Potatoes
|
1 kilo |
|---|---|
|
Milk
|
100 ml |
|
Butter
|
50 g |
|
Coarse salt
|
1 tsp |
|
Coarsely ground pepper
|
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Make a classic shepherd’s pie
There’s a reason the classic shepherd’s pie remains a staple on British dinner tables. This comforting dish features a rich meat sauce meticulously prepared with minced lamb, onions, and garlic. To add a bit of colour, carrots and peas are scattered on top of the meat. The shepherd’s is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, which, when baked, forms a light, golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible.
A hearty dish with tender lamb and vegetables
What makes the shepherd’s pie truly so special is the combination of tender minced lamb and vegetables. The succulent lamb imparts a rich flavour, complemented by the earthy sweetness of peas and carrots. This perfect pairing delights both palate and eyes, with the lamb’s satisfying texture contrasting beautifully with the tender crunch of the vegetables. As you break through the creamy potato topping, the delightful sight of lamb and vegetables welcomes you to savour each bite.
For more British tradition, explore our recipes for toad in the hole, puffy Yorkshire puddings, or a classic lemon drizzle cake.
Topped with mashed potatoes
The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes form a decadent layer atop the meat sauce. This golden-brown potato crust, enticingly crispy, is the first thing that catches your eye. That is why you should take as much care making the mashed potatoes as the meat sauce. The slight crunch of the crust provides a delightful contrast to the tender meat beneath.
Serve as a comforting dinner
Serve shepherd’s pie on days when you seek comfort and warmth for your family. Invest time and love into preparing and presenting this dish to your loved ones as a comforting embrace after a long day. This homely meal fills your home with delightful scents, drawing everyone to the dinner table. Often, a large shepherd’s pie provides enough for leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day as well.
What is the difference between shepherd’s and cottage pie?
The difference between a shepherd’s pie and a cottage pie is small but important. While both pies are very similar, the main difference lies in the choice of meat. Cottage pies traditionally use minced lean ground beef as their meat filling, whereas shepherd’s pies tend to use minced lamb. Otherwise, both are savoury British casseroles that celebrate comforting and warm flavours with a potato-based layer on top.
Experiment with the recipe
This pie recipe is very flexible, letting you swap out ingredients and add your own touches. If you do not have carrots and peas, try using sweet peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or sweet corn instead. These vegetables can add different flavours and textures to your pie.
For the mashed potato topping, try mixing in some minced garlic, which gives a rich, subtle flavour. If you like your food cheesy, mix in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese with the mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent taste.
To enhance the meat sauce, add a bit of soy sauce or miso paste to give it a savoury umami flavour, which complements the meat well. If you are feeling adventurous, a little red wine can also be added to the sauce to bring out a richer, deeper taste.
