Shepherd’s pie is also known as cottage pie or, more rarely, as farm home pie. Shepherd’s pie is a savory dish originating in the United Kingdom and Ireland that generally consists of minced beef or mutton topped with a mashed potato crust.
Variations of the dish may use other ground meats, such as pork, lamb, chicken, or turkey, and may also contain other vegetable ingredients like carrots, onions, and/or peas. In some regions, the dish is also prepared with a crust made from mashed swede (also known as rutabaga) instead of mashed potatoes.
Why is it called shepherds pie?
The dish known as Shepherd’s Pie is thought to have originated in the UK and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton, however, variations of the dish have adapted to include beef, mixed vegetables, and occasionally other ingredients.
The strange name of the pie may have come from the fact that shepherds often needed to make do with what resources they had, and so would often whip up a warm, filling meal from whatever ingredients they had on hand.
The name has stuck, and even though it is now widely made with beef instead of lamb, the dish is still commonly referred to as Shepherd’s Pie.
What does shepherd’s pie made of?
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional British dish that is typically made from minced lamb or mutton (seasoned with onion and ground black pepper) that is cooked with vegetables such as carrots and peas, then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, cheese, and parsley, and finally baked in the oven.
As the dish originated in rural England, the lamb or mutton was generally the meat that was used. However, with the increasing popularity of this dish, it has become common practice to substitute beef mince in place of the lamb or mutton.
Sauteed garlic and onions are also added to the mince and vegetables to give the dish a more flavorful taste. The addition of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and/or thyme is also popular among home cooks who wish to customize the flavor of their Shepherd’s Pie.
Once the mince and vegetables are cooked, they are combined with a layer of mashed potatoes and cheese, then covered with a top layer of either mashed potato and parsley or mashed potato and cheese. The entire dish is then baked in an oven until it is golden brown.
What’s cottage pie made of?
Cottage pie, also known as shepherd’s pie, is a savory baked dish that originated in the United Kingdom. It consists of ground or minced beef, or another type of minced meat, simmered with vegetables such as onions, carrots and celery in a rich, flavorful gravy.
The meat is typically topped with a layer of potatoes in one of several forms, such as mashed, diced or scalloped potatoes, which are then cooked until golden brown and crispy. The dish is usually topped with a light sprinkling of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, and may be served with additional accompaniments such as pickles or hot sauce.
Cottage pie can also be served with a side of peas or green beans.
Is cottage pie healthy?
Cottage pie is generally considered to be a healthy meal option. It is a comfort food that typically consists of ground beef as the meat topping and mashed potatoes as the crust. The vegetables and seasonings that it is made with, such as onion and garlic, also adds to its nutrition.
Additionally, the use of healthier alternatives like lean animal protein, sweet potatoes, and low-fat dairy help to further make cottage pie a nutritious meal option.
What makes cottage pie even more nutritious is the fact that it is low in sugar, fat and calories. Furthermore, it is a high source of fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates which helps to keep one feeling fuller for longer.
In conclusion, cottage pie is a very healthy meal option. As long as it is made using healthier alternatives such as lean animal protein, sweet potatoes, and low-fat dairy and with minimal amounts of added sugar and fat, it is a great choice for individuals who are looking for a nutritional, comforting meal.
Is pie a food?
Yes, pie is considered a food. It is a type of dessert that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, custards, or other desserts. Pie is often served in a shallow, round pan that is crust made from flour, butter, and other ingredients.
It may also be served as a turnover or quiche. Pies have been a part of human consumption for centuries, but have changed over time in flavor, texture, and ingredients. Many pies have a layer of pastry on top that may be filled with a sweet or savory filling, and it is generally served either hot or cold.
What’s the difference between cottage and shepherd’s pies?
Cottage pies and shepherd’s pies are both dishes that are based on a mix of cooked meats, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, but they differ in one important way. Cottage pies are typically made with minced beef, while shepherd’s pies use minced lamb or mutton.
Both types of dish are popular comfort food and can be served as a meal, side dish, or snack.
Cottage pies typically contain ground beef, carrots, celery, onion, and sometimes other ingredients like green peas, corn, celery seed, garlic, or tomato sauce. Spices like parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, or bay leaf may also be added for flavor.
The beef mixture is topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
Shepherd’s pies, on the other hand, are made with minced lamb or mutton, instead of beef. The vegetables used in the dish are generally the same, but other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, may be added.
Like cottage pies, shepherd’s pies are usually topped with mashed potatoes before being baked.
The two dishes are similar in that they are both meals that are primarily made up of mashed potatoes and a meat and vegetable mixture, but cottage pies are traditionally made with ground beef, while shepherd’s pies are made with minced lamb or mutton.
How do you keep potatoes from sinking in cottage pie?
To avoid having potatoes sink in your cottage pie, it is important to create a light and fluffy mash. Start by boiling the potatoes until they are very soft and easy to mash, then add butter, milk, and salt and pepper while mashing to give the potatoes a rich and creamy texture.
Be sure to use a hand masher or a potato ricer to ensure potatoes become light and fluffy instead of thick and dense. Once the potatoes are mashed, use a spoon to spread the potatoes over the top of the cottage pie filling, making sure to mound the potatoes and leave ridges in them for a nice finished appearance.
Lightly brush the potatoes with a small amount of butter or oil to give them a golden-brown color when cooked. Lastly, bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and cooked through.
Is it safe to put a raw egg in mashed potatoes?
No, it is not safe to put a raw egg in mashed potatoes. Raw eggs can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella and if ingested can cause food poisoning. To prevent exposure to these bacteria, you should always make sure eggs are cooked thoroughly before adding them to a dish.
It’s also important to store and handle eggs properly. If you’re wanting to add eggs to your mashed potatoes, it’s best to use a cooked egg like a hard boiled egg instead.
Why is cottage pie called cottage pie?
Cottage pie is a popular dish that has a rich history. It is thought to have originated in the late 18th century in the United Kingdom. The name cottage pie comes from the fact that the dish was typically made with whatever meat and vegetables were available – usually leftovers from the Sunday roast – and was usually a cheap, tasty option for those of a lower economic class who lived in cottages and had limited resources.
It is said that the combination of the leftovers created an inexpensive, hearty and delicious pie which was easy and cheap to serve up to a family or a small number of people. Nowadays, cottage pie typically consists of minced meat, potatoes, carrots, onions and sometimes other vegetables, all cooked in a sauce and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potato.
Do you put egg on cottage pie?
No, egg is not typically added to cottage pie. Cottage pie, also known as shepherd’s pie, is a type of savory pie made with a filling typically consisting of minced beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and gravy.
The filling is topped with mashed potatoes, then baked in the oven. Other variations of the dish may include lamb, turkey or mushroom instead of the beef. Common additions to the dish include herbs, garlic or Worcestershire sauce, but eggs are not generally included.
How long can cottage pie be refrigerated?
Cottage pie can be safely refrigerated for up to four days after it has been cooked and cooled. When using leftovers, always practice food safety and make sure the cottage pie is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or above.
It is also important to store the cottage pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to help preserve its flavor and texture. To further extend the life of the cottage pie, it can be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat frozen cottage pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in an oven or microwave until it reaches 165°F or above.