Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie
Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy!
Posting this per a request. I've said it once and I'll say it again there is nothing Irish about Corned Beef and Cabbage, but Shepherd's Pie has always been and still is a staple of traditional Irish cooking. This is a really easy, but tasty recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It's nutritionally sound with all the major food groups represented. The British use lamb in their Shepherd's Pie, but we've always used beef. Do whatever you prefer or even try turkey if you're watching fat content. This sauce is lovely and rich and should go well with any meat. You can use fresh or leftover mashed potato. I usually use 3 tbsp of ketchup instead of the 2tbsp of tomato paste as I like the hint of sweetness, but traditionally the paste would be more sound! You can also make individual pies which are always a hit with the kids. This freezes beautifully too, so make two and save one! Just let it defrost and glaze with the egg and pop into the oven as directed. Enjoy!
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 glass red wine
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb
- 3 -4 large carrots finely diced
- 3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1l or 6 cups fresh or leftover)
- Carbohydrate 84.9072191732675 g
- Cholesterol 45.819791690454 mg
- Fat 21.7934670939778 g
- Fiber 10.0287500391576 g
- Protein 22.8235187584401 g
- Saturated Fat 9.66298375431165 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s) (1469g)
- Sodium 1306.18558457205 mg
- Sugar 74.8784691341098 g
- Trans Fat 1.57673750065656 g
- Calories 724 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat oven to 200C/400degreesF.
- Saute carrots in the olive oil until starting to get tender.
- Add in the onions and saute for a minute or two then add the meat.
- Season with black pepper and thyme.
- Cook until browned then drain fat.
- Add the butter and peas.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir through.
- Add tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire sauce.
- Let this reduce slightly then add the chicken stock.
- Allow to reduce down until you have a thick meaty gravy.
- Season to your taste.
- Remove from heat.
- Grease an oven proof dish (9x13 works for me, as does an oval baker) with butter and add the sauce.
- Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over top.
- Brush with egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the potato is nice and browned on top.
- Serve as is or with some crusty bread to mop up that yummy sauce!
A Taste of Home: My Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie. The name conjures up images of cozy evenings, hearty meals, and the comforting aroma of slow-cooked meat and fluffy potatoes. For me, it's more than just a dish; it's a connection to my family history, a taste of home, and a recipe passed down through generations. While some might debate the true origins, in our family, Shepherd's Pie is undeniably a staple, a testament to simple, wholesome cooking. We’ve always used beef, a departure from the lamb often used in British versions, and the result is a rich, satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. The magic happens in the slow cooking of the meat, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. The rich gravy, made with a blend of vegetables, herbs, and a splash of red wine, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. And of course, no Shepherd’s Pie is complete without that glorious topping of creamy mashed potatoes, browned to perfection in the oven. This dish is incredibly versatile, too. Leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully, saving you time and effort. You can also experiment with different meats – I've used turkey occasionally for a lighter option – and customize the vegetables to your liking.
I remember as a child watching my grandmother meticulously prepare this dish. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the sizzling of the meat, and the comforting warmth radiating from the oven – these memories are as much a part of the recipe as the ingredients themselves. She always added a generous helping of love to the mix, a secret ingredient that enhanced the dish beyond measure. Now, I carry on the tradition, sharing this recipe with my own family, creating new memories around the comforting aroma of Shepherd's Pie. It's a dish that brings people together, fostering conversation and laughter around the dining table.
Beyond the sentimental value, Shepherd's Pie is incredibly practical. It's a fantastic make-ahead dish; I often double the recipe, freezing one portion for a future meal. It reheats beautifully, retaining its rich flavor and creamy texture. It's also incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs; simply substitute ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Shepherd's Pie is a recipe that's easy to master and always a crowd-pleaser.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare to be transported back to simpler times. The warmth of the oven, the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, and the shared joy of a delicious meal – these are the true ingredients of a truly special Shepherd's Pie experience. Enjoy!
