Shepherd’s Pie: A Classic November Comfort Food in East Herts and Suffolk
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for chilly November evenings. It is also a popular dish in East Herts and Suffolk, two regions in England that are known for their beautiful countryside and delicious food.
This hearty dish is made with a savory meat filling topped with a creamy mashed potato topping. It is typically baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
To make Shepherd’s Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg minced lamb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 150g)
- 2 carrots, diced (approx. 200g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 250ml beef or lamb stock
- 150g frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potato Topping:
- 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 100g butter
- 100ml milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Prepare the potatoes: In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes: Add the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook the meat: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the onions and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef or lamb stock. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Transfer the meat mixture to a 2-litre baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading evenly. If desired, sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Serve: Let the Shepherd’s Pie stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use ground beef instead of ground lamb.
- Add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- If you don’t have beef or lamb stock, you can use chicken or vegetable stock instead.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, use whole milk and butter.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle the mashed potatoes with bread crumbs before baking.
This classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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