Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

  • Prep time: 15
  • Cook time: 45
  • Yield: 8
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Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 pounds potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 2oz butter
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp flour
  • 2 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup stock
  • 1 tsp worchestershire
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup peas
Nutrition Facts
Serves 8

Description

Cottage Pie, also known as shepherd’s pie when made with lamb, is a classic British dish with a history dating back to the 18th century. The dish is characterized by a meat filling, usually minced or ground beef or lamb, topped with mashed potatoes. Here are some key points about the origins of Cottage Pie:

  1. Historical Context:

    • Cottage Pie originated in Britain, and its roots can be traced back to the 18th century. During this time, potatoes became more widely cultivated and affordable, leading to their increased use in various dishes.

  2. Affordable Ingredients:

    • The name “cottage” suggests that the dish was associated with the working-class cottages and households. Cottage Pie was a practical and economical way for families to use leftover meat, typically beef or lamb, along with readily available and affordable ingredients like potatoes.

  3. Introduction of Potatoes:

    • Potatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century. However, it took some time for them to become a staple in European diets. By the 18th century, potatoes had become more widely accepted and were embraced as a valuable and versatile food source.

  4. Development of the Dish:

    • The concept of layering minced or ground meat with mashed potatoes became popular as a way to create a satisfying and complete meal. This method of using leftover meat and creating a hearty dish with a potato crust is the precursor to the modern Cottage Pie.

  5. Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie:

    • The terms “Shepherd’s Pie” and “Cottage Pie” are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with minced or ground lamb, while Cottage Pie is made with minced or ground beef. Both versions, however, share the same concept of a meat filling topped with mashed potatoes.

  6. Popularity and Evolution:

    • Cottage Pie became a staple in British home cooking and remains a classic comfort food. Over time, the dish has evolved, and variations may include the addition of vegetables, herbs, or different seasoning choices.

  7. International Influence:

    • Cottage Pie has also influenced similar dishes in other cuisines. For example, in the United States, a similar dish is often referred to as “shepherd’s pie” regardless of the type of meat used.

In summary, Cottage Pie has humble origins in 18th-century Britain, emerging as a practical and economical way to use leftover meat and potatoes. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the appeal of hearty and comforting dishes that have stood the test of time.

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400F.
  • 2. Fill pot with water and add potatoes. Bring to boil and let simmer 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Stir in half and half, butter, and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper.
  • 3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot and cook 3 minutes to soften. Add garlic and stir, cooking another minute.
  • 4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
  • 5. Sprinkle beef with flour and stir to incorporate. Add tomato paste, stock, worchestershire, and thyme. Heat to simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the mixture has started to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • 6. Stir in peas and corn and remove from heat.
  • 7. Pour the mixture into an 11x7 baking dish and then top with the mashed potatoes. Bake uncovered 25 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.