Recipe For Authentic Shepherd's Pie

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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A Recipe for Authentic Shepherd's Pie: A Comfort Food Classic

Shepherd's pie, a comforting and hearty dish, is a British culinary staple. This recipe focuses on creating an authentic Shepherd's Pie experience, emphasizing rich flavors and simple techniques. Let's dive into the details!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs.

For the Lamb Filling:

• 1.5 lbs ground lamb (essential for authenticity!)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Lamb Filling:

1. Brown the Lamb: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Incorporate Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Making the Mashed Potato Topping:

1. Boil Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash: Return the potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth.
3. Add Milk and Butter: Gradually add the warm milk and butter, mashing until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Baking the Shepherd's Pie:

1. Transfer Filling: Transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Top with Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the lamb filling. You can create a nice, textured surface with a fork.
3. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Tips for an Even Better Shepherd's Pie:

• Use good quality lamb: The flavor of the lamb is key to a great Shepherd's Pie.
• Don't overcook the lamb: Overcooked lamb will be dry and tough.
• Make your own mashed potatoes: Homemade mashed potatoes are far superior to instant mashed potatoes.
• Let it rest: Allow the Shepherd's Pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Shepherd's Pie hot, perhaps with a side of steamed green beans or a simple green salad. Enjoy this classic comfort food!

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