Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie By Grumpy Irish Lady
Introduction
Irish cuisine has a rich history and is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. One such dish is the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie, also known as Cottage Pie. This dish is a staple in Irish households and is a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables. Today, we will be sharing the recipe for this classic dish, as passed down by a grumpy Irish lady.
Ingredients
To make the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the carrots, frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the meat mixture is bubbling.
- Let the Shepherd's Pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
There are many variations of the traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie. Some include adding different vegetables, such as corn or green beans. Others may use different types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as thyme or rosemary, to add more flavor.
Conclusion
The traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie is a classic dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. It's a great way to use up leftovers and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not give this recipe a try and see why it's a favorite in Irish households?