Skip to content
Home » Bbc Good Food

Bbc Good Food





Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Inspired by BBC Good Food

Description

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is inspired by the timeless comfort food recipes found on BBC Good Food. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground lamb, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe combines simplicity and tradition, ensuring a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g ground lamb
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

  • 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Shepherd’s Pie – Bbc Good Food

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Brown the Lamb:
    • Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  4. Add Flavorings:
    • Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
  5. Simmer:
    • Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

  1. Boil the Potatoes:
    • Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  2. Mash the Potatoes:
    • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Layer the Filling:
    • Spread the lamb and vegetable mixture evenly in a large baking dish.
  3. Top with Mashed Potatoes:
    • Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them out evenly. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top.

Step 4: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

  1. Bake:
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Cool Slightly:
    • Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations for Shepherd’s Pie – Bbc Good Food

Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie

  • Meat Options:
    • While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, you can substitute ground beef for a cottage pie variation.
  • Vegetable Variations:
    • Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn or mushrooms to the filling for additional flavor and texture.
  • Cheesy Topping:
    • For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional grated cheddar on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie:
    • Substitute the ground lamb with lentils or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Sweet Potato Topping:
    • Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
  • Spicy Shepherd’s Pie:
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili to the filling for a bit of heat.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Bbc Good Food

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Shepherd’s Pie – Bbc Good Food

Origins of Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie, also known as cottage pie when made with beef, is a traditional British dish that dates back to the late 1700s. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover roasted meat, which was minced and mixed with gravy and vegetables, then topped with mashed potatoes.

Cultural Significance

In the UK and Ireland, Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved comfort food, often served in homes and pubs. It is particularly popular in the colder months, providing a warming, hearty meal. The dish has also become a staple in many other countries, adapted to local tastes and ingredients.

Interesting Facts – Bbc Good Food

  • Name Origin:
    • The term “Shepherd’s Pie” is used when the dish contains lamb, as shepherds look after sheep. “Cottage Pie” typically contains beef.
  • Economical Meal:
    • Shepherd’s Pie was historically made as an economical meal, using inexpensive ingredients and leftovers to create a filling and nutritious dish.
  • Regional Variations:
    • Different regions in the UK have their own variations of Shepherd’s Pie, with some adding unique ingredients like Guinness beer or using different types of meat.

Modern Uses – Bbc Good Food

Today, Shepherd’s Pie is enjoyed worldwide and continues to evolve. Modern recipes often include gourmet twists, such as adding wine to the gravy or incorporating exotic spices. Despite these innovations, the essence of Shepherd’s Pie remains the same: a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any occasion.