shepherd-s-pie
Next Dish: Silpancho
Shepherd's Pie, also known as cottage pie, is a traditional British dish made from minced meat (typically lamb or beef) cooked in a gravy with onions and other vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until golden brown. The dish has many regional variations, but is universally known for its comforting, hearty qualities. The term "Shepherd's Pie" is usually used when the meat is lamb, while "Cottage Pie" refers to versions made with beef. This dish, dating back to the late 18th century, was a means to use leftover roasted meat of any kind.
Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan. Add the onion and carrot, then cook until they begin to take on color (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a fork, and cook until it starts to brown.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, then add the ketchup, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, add the peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute.
Meanwhile, bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and put them back into the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash until smooth.
Put the meat mixture into a pie dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and rough up the surface with a fork.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the pie is bubbling. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.