Shephard's Pie

[hugoboss]

Hi. I am very proud of myself today because last night I made my very first Shephard's Pie - and it was great! I'm really chuffed at how tasty it was. It was just your bog-standard, lamb mince, onions, carrots and mushrooms. So now I know how to make one...anyone got any ideas for different types of ingredients to alternate the taste of my pies?? thansk!

[patriciather]

grate cheddar cheese on the top and put back in the oven till the cheese has melted -its delicious.

[sddsddean]

Stick some Lea & Perrins in to spice up the gravy. Agree patricia about the cheese as well.

[LordyGeordie]

try emptying a can of baked beans in the mince. it sounds a bit scummy i know, but is actually really nice.

Also, try tarting up the mashed potato on the top, there are any number of different ways, such as mashing roasted garlic in, adding chives or leeks, doing a mixture of mashed potatoes/ parsnips/ turips/ squash. stir some pesto into mash

just use your imagination really.

[kaz35]

Put some sweetcorn in, very yummy.  I agree with sddsddean about the Lea & Perrins Worcester sauce, as well - delicious!

[Tony Monero]

Instead of using mince, braise a boned shoulder of lamb in lamb stock until it is very tender then take out and flake it into a dish, then reduce the braising stock with some red wine until thick and strongly flavoured, pour over the meat, add some roated button onions and frsh tomato dice and top with mash potato perhaps with a little roasted garlic in it, voila, heaven on a plate.

[Cetti]

Before adding the grated cheese to the topping add 2 medium leeks,sliced and sauted in butter. This really lifts it to  dinner party food!

In my opinion the secret of an excellent Shepherd's Pie as opposed to just a good one is to use the very finest ingredients, and not to overdo the amount. Keep it simple - flavour the meat with a good stock, a dash of tomato puree, fresh thyme and parsley.

Well done on your achievement - it feels good, doesn't it?

[5029]

put chillis or chilli powder in the mashed potato

[ursula62]

Add a layer of sliced tomatoes between the meat and the mashed potato.

 

Try using pork or beef mince instead, or use red or brown lentils.

[PatTheRat]

If possible, put some rosemary in with the lamb. Lovely.

[crisgal]

you could make it taste a little italian - add tinned chopped tomatoes and oregano to the mince and add parmesan to the mash - mmm

i add a very small layer of cooked and well drained spinach under the mash - for the bog standard, not the italian!

also - a scottish version - haggis in an ovenproof dish with a layer of mashed swede then a layer of mash. serve with cheese sauce - mmm

[Shire]

My husband makes a brilliant shepherds pie by using a tin of corned beef mashed up, then a layer of onion, then a tin of baked beans, a sprinkle of chilli powder and then mashed potato and a bit of cheese on top. Brilliant winter comfort food!