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 (optional)
- 1 large quantity mashed potatoes (estimating 1l or 6 cups fresh or leftover)
- 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb lamb
- 3 -4 large carrots finely diced
- 3 -4 sprigs fresh thyme finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 84.8649275066685 g
- Cholesterol 44.903125025254 mg
- Fat 21.4954462611213 g
- Fiber 10.0287500391576 g
- Protein 22.4228937590811 g
- Saturated Fat 9.4827650046 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s) (1468g)
- Sodium 1290.2585012642 mg
- Sugar 74.8361774675108 g
- Trans Fat 1.55839375068591 g
- Calories 719 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
The aroma of a comforting Shepherd's Pie always brings back cherished memories. Growing up, it was a Sunday staple, a warm hug on a chilly evening, a symbol of family gathered around the table. While some might debate the origins, for our family, it's deeply rooted in our Irish heritage, a dish that's been passed down through generations, each family member adding their own personal touch to the recipe. This isn't just a meal; it's a story, a legacy.
My version of the Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie might slightly differ from others you'll find. We've always used beef, opting for the richness and savory notes it lends to the dish. The secret to its luscious sauce, I believe, lies in the careful reduction of the chicken stock, wine, and tomato paste. This creates a depth of flavor that’s unparalleled, marrying the sweetness of the carrots and peas with the robust heartiness of the meat. My personal twist? A generous helping of ketchup – a slight departure from tradition, but the subtle sweetness balances the savory notes perfectly.
The beauty of this dish is in its adaptability. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity and personalization. Feel free to experiment! Perhaps you'd prefer lamb instead of beef, or you might want to incorporate some mushrooms or other vegetables for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless. And if you find yourself short on time, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly – a quick and easy way to bring this comforting classic to the table without any extra effort.
Beyond its deliciousness, Shepherd’s Pie is practical and convenient. It’s a fantastic dish for meal prepping. Double the recipe, freeze half, and you've got a quick and easy weeknight dinner ready to go. It also freezes beautifully. The day I made a large batch, I quickly froze half before even letting it cool, so there were fewer dishes to wash, and I had a future meal waiting for me in the freezer. It's also great for feeding a crowd; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that's sure to impress your guests.
Over the years, this recipe has become more than just a meal; it's a connection to my roots, a comforting tradition that I share with my family. It's the kind of dish that evokes feelings of warmth, belonging, and happiness. It's a dish that reminds me of home, no matter where I am.
This recipe, passed down through generations, has become an heirloom in our kitchen. It isn't just about the ingredients, the steps, or the final presentation; it’s about the love, laughter, and memories woven into each bite. It’s about sharing a meal that transcends the ordinary, transforming a simple Shepherd's Pie into an extraordinary experience, a taste of tradition, a taste of home.
So, gather your family, your friends, or just yourself. Prepare a comforting bowl of this comforting Shepherd’s Pie. The rich, savory flavor, the tender meat, and the fluffy mashed potato topping are the perfect combination for a delightful meal. Enjoy the warm embrace of this traditional recipe, and make lasting memories with every bite.
