Difference Between Cottage Pie And Shepherd's Pie
Introduction
If you are a fan of British cuisine, you have probably heard of cottage pie and shepherd's pie. These two dishes are often confused with each other, but they are not the same. Both dishes are made with minced meat and mashed potatoes, but they have different origins and ingredients. In this article, we will discuss the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie.
Origin
Cottage pie originated in England in the 18th century. It was a dish that was made by the poor people who lived in the countryside. The dish was made with leftover meat and vegetables, and it was covered with mashed potatoes. The dish was called cottage pie because it was made in the cottages of the poor people.
Shepherd's pie, on the other hand, originated in Scotland and Ireland in the 18th century. The dish was made with minced lamb or mutton, which was covered with mashed potatoes. The dish was called shepherd's pie because it was made by shepherds who had access to sheep.
Meat
The main difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie is the type of meat used. Cottage pie is made with minced beef, while shepherd's pie is made with minced lamb or mutton. However, some people use minced beef in shepherd's pie, which can make it confusing.
Another difference is the seasoning. Shepherd's pie is traditionally seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, while cottage pie is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.
Veggies
Both cottage pie and shepherd's pie are made with vegetables. However, the type of vegetables used can vary. Cottage pie is typically made with carrots, onions, and peas, while shepherd's pie is made with carrots, onions, and celery. Some people also add mushrooms to both dishes.
Another difference is the way the vegetables are prepared. In cottage pie, the vegetables are usually cooked with the meat, while in shepherd's pie, the vegetables are cooked separately and then mixed with the meat.
Topping
The topping is another difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie. Both dishes are covered with mashed potatoes, but the way the potatoes are prepared can vary. Cottage pie is traditionally made with a layer of mashed potatoes that is spread over the meat and vegetables. Shepherd's pie, on the other hand, is traditionally made with a layer of mashed potatoes that is piped on top of the meat and vegetables in a decorative pattern.
Another difference is the way the mashed potatoes are seasoned. Cottage pie is usually seasoned with butter and milk, while shepherd's pie is seasoned with butter and cream.
Baking
Both cottage pie and shepherd's pie are baked in the oven. Cottage pie is typically baked at 200°C for 30-40 minutes, while shepherd's pie is baked at 180°C for 40-50 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on the size of the dish and the oven.
Another difference is the way the dish is served. Cottage pie is usually served in a square or rectangular dish, while shepherd's pie is usually served in a round dish.
Conclusion
Cottage pie and shepherd's pie are two classic British dishes that are often confused with each other. Both dishes are made with minced meat and mashed potatoes, but they have different origins, ingredients, and preparation methods. Cottage pie is made with minced beef and is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. Shepherd's pie is made with minced lamb or mutton and is seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme. The way the vegetables and mashed potatoes are prepared and the way the dish is baked can also vary. Now that you know the difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of British cuisine.