Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is traditionally made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with vegetables and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The history of cottage pie goes back to the 18th century, when it was a popular dish among rural farmers and laborers who needed a hearty and filling meal to sustain them through the long workdays.
The main difference between cottage pie and shepherd's pie is the type of meat used. While cottage pie is made with ground beef or lamb, shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb or mutton. The name "shepherd's pie" reflects the fact that sheep farming was more common in the northern regions of England and Scotland, where the dish originated. I traditional made this with ground beef.
Here is an authentic recipe for cottage pie:
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or lamb 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 cup beef or vegetable broth 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried rosemary Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups mashed potatoes 2 tbsp butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Transfer the beef or lamb mixture to a 9-inch pie dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula or fork. Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with butter.
Bake the cottage pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and crispy on top.
Let the cottage pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
This cottage pie recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.