Cottage pie

Cottage Pie

  File:Cottage pie.jpg

A traditional cottage pie, freshly baked

Cottage pie or shepherd's pie (when made with lamb instead of beef) is a traditional British dish that is a staple of home cooking in the United Kingdom and other countries with British influences. The dish consists of a layer of ground beef cooked with onions, carrots, and sometimes other vegetables such as peas or corn. This mixture is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until the potato topping is crisp and golden.

History

The term "cottage pie" has been in use since the late 18th century, originally applied to a pie made with any kind of meat and mashed potato. The name is believed to have originated because the dish was a common meal among rural cottagers who had limited ingredients available. "Shepherd's pie" is a later term, specifically referring to the version made with ground lamb, reflecting the shepherd's role in tending sheep.

Preparation

To prepare cottage pie, ground beef is sautéed with finely chopped onions, carrots, and sometimes other vegetables. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and thyme are added for flavor, along with a gravy made from beef stock or tomato paste to moisten the mixture. This meat mixture is then placed in a baking dish. A layer of mashed potatoes, seasoned with butter, milk, and sometimes egg (to ensure a crispy top) is spread over the meat. The dish is then baked in an oven at a moderate temperature until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Variations

While the traditional cottage pie is made with beef, variations exist, including the shepherd's pie with lamb. Other variations may include different vegetables or a layer of cheese added to the potato topping for extra flavor and a richer crust.

Cultural Significance

Cottage pie is considered comfort food in the UK and has a strong association with home cooking and family meals. It is also a popular dish in pubs and casual dining establishments.

See also

• British cuisine
• Comfort food
• Meat pie
• Potato dishes

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