Tag: dinner

Authentic Shepherd’s Pie for St. Patrick’s Day

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As I write, St. Patrick’s Day is but a week away and Irish fare is top of mind. This is the perfect time for me to share our recipe for Shepherd’s Pie, which is enjoyed as much in Britain as it is in the Emerald Isle. Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food and great for serving at large gatherings as it can be prepared ahead of time.

Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients. Do your mise-en-place (prep) and everything comes together quite quickly. Rather than regular mashed potatoes with milk and butter, indulge yourself by adding the egg yolks and cream. You’re worth it.

Remember that Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb; it is the sheep herder’s pie after all. Use beef, and you have a Cottage Pie, so called because the mashed potato topping is supposed to represent shingles from a cottage roof.

Proper Shepherd’s Pie

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 pounds ground lamb
  • 1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 sprig thyme, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ¼ cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1 batch of mashed potatoes (see below)
  • About 6 tablespoons of Cheddar or Parmesan cheese (I like Parm, which is not traditional, but Irish Cheddar would be a nice touch)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or parsley

METHOD

  1. Sauté onion and carrots in olive oil on low until very soft.
  2. Turn the heat to high, add the lamb and quickly brown .
  3. Add rosemary, thyme and garlic. Stir quickly.
  4. Add red wine and deglaze.
  5. Add Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree. Stir.
  6. Add chicken stock and frozen peas.
  7. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until liquid but not runny.
  8. Season with salt and pepper. Add more Worcestershire sauce if necessary.
  9. Put the filling in a large pie dish,
  10. Scoop or pipe the potatoes on top.
  11. Sprinkle with cheese and chives or parsley.
  12.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, until golden on top.

The Best Mashed Potatoes for Pie Toppings

INGREDIENTS

  • 2.5 pounds creamer potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

  1. Boil the potatoes until soft. Drain immediately.
  2. While the potatoes are still hot, add the butter and mash. We recommend using an electric mixer for smoother potatoes.
  3. Add the cream, then the egg yolks. Mix well.  
  4. Season with salt and pepper.