Shepards Pie

So You want to make the Mother of all Shepard's Pie I'll show you how quick and easy. Shepard's Pie or Shepherd's Pie is a very tasty British dish in origin. Adapted changed and made the world over it is a popular favourite that is quick and simple to make in all its many wonderful and varied forms. This recipe of Shepard's Pie will be the traditional British version Shepherds Pie but feel free to change it for your particular tastes after all the conception of Shepard's Pie and the beauty of it is that it is cheap to make and can use ingredients and left overs found in the home that are easily available.

Based on a medium sized Casserole Dish

• 4 Large, 5/6 Medium sized potatoes.
• 1 1/2 Ibs of Ground Lamb or Ground Beef.
• 1 chopped onion.
• 4 Tablespoons of Butter.
• 3/4 cup of peas.
• 3/4 cup of chopped carrots.
• 3/4 cup of sweet corn.
• 1 cup of beef broth/thin gravy.
• Splash of Worcestershire sauce or Hendersons Relish.
• Tablespoon of Curry powder(not traditional but adds to flavour)
• Salt Pepper, Herbs of Choice.
  

Purists will tell you that Shepherd's Pie should be made with Lamb as Shepherd's look after sheep they will say that if you use Beef it is Cottage Pie. I live in England have done so all my life and I've eaten Shepherd's Pie thousands of times Infact I was brought up on it especially during the Miners Strike when times were hard and resources low, we would have it three times a week!

There are many regional variations in the UK we can't agree with ourselves so don't let anyone tell you there is one pure definitive way of making Shepherd's pie. My Gran and Mum made it different ways and they lived next to each other! Use this recipe as a guide adapt it or stick to it rigidly the choice is yours. If anyone tells you it has to be made with lamb politely point out to them that it is just as likely that Beef or even Rabbit was used because most Shepherd's Couldn't afford to eat there own Lambs, and that it is called Shepherd's Pie because it was quick and easy to make with left over cuts of meat. So the Shepherd's could get back to their flocks. The point is no one knows so don't get hung up on it. Now back to Shepard's Pie my version and spelling. 

Peel you potatoes chop up into several pieces and place in boiling water for around 20-25mins.

Put two tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan or Wok on a medium heat. Add your chopped onion if you are using fresh carrots or frozen put in with onions from the beginning. If using tinned carrots you can add them with the rest of the veg.

Sauté your onions until translucent and tender, 10 minutes should be fine on a low to medium heat be careful not to burn you just want them slightly Tender they will cook more as we progress, making our Shepards Pie.

Now add in your meat or vegetarian alternative of choice and cook until no longer pink. While that's cooking prepare your beef stock.

Now add in your remaining veg a sprinkling of salt, pepper seasoning of choice and herbs and tablespoon of curry powder and pour in half a cup of beef stock. Leave to simmer on a low heat.

Drain your potatoes add two tablespoons of butter and a very small splash of milk and a pinch of salt. Mash your potatoes you need to get rid of the lumps but keep them firm not too creamy.

Transfer your frying pan contents to a casserole dish use a serving spoon with holes if you have excess moisture or fat from the meat. spread out the mixture to evenly coat the dish and then add the rest of your beef stock evenly to moisten your mixture you don't want it too dry before it goes in the oven.

Evenly spread your mash potatoes over your meat and veg mixture. Run a fork over the top of the mash to create dips and troughs this will produce that lovely browning effect to the top of your mash once it is in the oven.

If you want to add cheese to the top of your mash depending on your personal preference sprinkle it on top now. I recommend Cheddar for this purpose if it is available.

Put your Pre cooked Shepard's Pie in a preheated oven for around 30 minutes at 220C until your mixture is bubbling away and your mash top is a lovely golden brown. You can grill for a couple of minutes if needs be to brown. Be careful not to burn.

Behold your lovingly crafted Shepard's Pie is made. Serve on a bed of Cabbage with broccoli or my favourite honey roast parsnips and gravy, whatever takes your fancy. Hope you enjoy your Shepard's Pie. Let me know how you get on or if you have suggestions of your own for making a Shepard's Pie I'd be happy to hear them.

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