Difference Between Cottage Pie And Shepherd's Pie Wikipedia
Introduction:
Cottage pie and shepherd's pie are both classic meat pies that originated in the United Kingdom. They are similar in appearance and ingredients, but they are not the same dish. Although these pies have been around for centuries, many people still confuse them. In this article, we will explore the differences between cottage pie and shepherd's pie and how they are traditionally made.
What Is Cottage Pie?
Cottage pie is a savory pie that is made with minced beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. The name "cottage pie" comes from the fact that it was traditionally made with leftovers from a Sunday roast, which would have been used to feed the workers in the cottages. The dish is also known as "shepherdless pie" when made with minced lamb.
What Is Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's pie is a meat pie that is made with minced lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The name "shepherd's pie" comes from the fact that it was traditionally made with leftover roast lamb that would have been used by shepherds. Shepherd's pie is also known as "cottageless pie" when made with minced beef.
What Are The Differences?
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. Another difference is the origin of the dishes. Cottage pie is believed to have originated in England, while shepherd's pie is believed to have originated in Scotland and Ireland. Some people also claim that the name "shepherd's pie" only applies when made with lamb and that any other meat should be called "cottage pie."
How Are They Made?
Both cottage pie and shepherd's pie are made in a similar way. First, the meat is browned in a pan with onions and other vegetables. Then, a thick gravy is made with beef or lamb stock, flour, and tomato paste. The meat mixture is then placed in a baking dish and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The pie is then baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What Are The Traditional Ingredients?
The traditional ingredients for cottage pie include minced beef, onions, carrots, peas, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, and mashed potatoes. For shepherd's pie, the traditional ingredients include minced lamb, onions, carrots, peas, Worcestershire sauce, lamb stock, and mashed potatoes. However, there are many variations of these recipes, and some people like to add different vegetables or spices to their pies to make them their own.
What Are The Variations?
There are many variations of cottage pie and shepherd's pie, depending on personal taste and cultural influences. Some people like to add cheese or herbs to the mashed potatoes, while others like to add extra vegetables or spices to the meat mixture. Vegetarians can also make a vegetarian version of these pies by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cottage pie and shepherd's pie are both delicious and hearty meat pies that have been around for centuries. Although they are similar in appearance and ingredients, they are not the same dish. Cottage pie is made with minced beef, while shepherd's pie is made with minced lamb. Both pies are traditionally made with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a thick gravy. There are many variations of these recipes, and people can add their own personal twist to make them even more delicious.