Winter has well and truly arrived in the UK, with the sun setting around 4 pm and the first snow sightings seen. Hibernation mode has been activated as Brits prepare to spend the next few months in the warmth and comfort of their homes. And to aid this, it’s all about comfort food. Think of food that makes you feel all cosy and full of love, like a hug from your grandma. So, in this week’s blog, I’m going to share with you the top-tier quintessential British comfort food, perfect for these winter months. Without further ado, I proudly introduce you to the one and only Shepherd’s Pie.

Putting the Comfort into Comfort Food

A shepherd’s pie is a British food staple and household favourite for many. It’s made from a minced lamb filling with onions, carrots, and peas, then topped with a creamy mashed potato. The name is a bow to sheepherders who tended their sheep and lambs, so it’s fitting that the filling is lamb. This dish is all about warmth and comfort and is a go-to for these cold winter nights. It’s also fairly easy to make, as you’ll see in just a second.

Ingredients

(serves 4)

For the filling:

● 1 tbsp olive oil

● 1 onion, finely chopped

● 2 carrots, chopped

● 1 cup frozen peas

● 2 garlic cloves, minced

● 500g minced lamb

● 2 tbsp tomato paste

● 240ml beef stock

● 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

● 1 tsp dried thyme

● Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mashed potato:

● 1kg potatoes, peeled and chopped

● 2 tbsp butter

● 60ml milk

● Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the mashed potato topping

● Step 1:

Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.

● Step 2:

Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the filling

● Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic and cook until softened

● Step 4:

Add the minced lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

● Step 5:

Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

● Step 6:

Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and stock. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the peas and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the pie

● Step 7:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

● Step 8:

Spoon the lamb mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.

● Step 9:

Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out evenly with a spatula. For a crispy finish use a fork to create texture on top.

● Step 10:

Bake the pie for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. If you’d like a more golden crust, cook it under the grill for 1-2 minutes at the end.

To Serve

● Step 11:

Let the Shepherd’s Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a side of broccoli or a simple green salad.

Perk Up your Pie

If you fancy some more variety to your Shepherd’s pie try:

● Adding grated cheddar cheese on top for an extra creamy crunch. Bake until the cheese is golden brown.

● Mixing in some parsnips or sweet potato with the regular mashed potato.

● Adding a splash of red wine for extra richness.

● Swapping your minced lamp for lentils and beef for vegetable stock for a veggie option.

● Swapping the minced lamp for minced beef to create a Cottage Pieㅡ the sister of the Shepherd’s pie. This is the same except it’s made from beef instead. The name owes to rural workers who lived in cottages and used beef instead which was more affordable.

Snuggle In and Savour

So there you have itㅡ the only recipe you’ll need this winter! Whether sharing it with loved ones or savouring it solo, this Shepherd’s Pie will warm you from the inside out and leave you sleeping like a baby.

Written by Marina McAleese, Tutor at The Harrogate International Academy