shepherds pie

[marypat]

i visited london and had dinner at a rest in the playhouse area. i had a shepherds pie that was absolutely out of this earth. the flavor (sauce) was indescribable. my guess is that a sherry was used because it had a very sweet taste. does anyone have a similar recipe that i can try.

[Turtleheadfred]

I'll wait for someone else MaryPat because I'm sure what you got in London (which was most likely authentic) was completely different from what we get here in Tennessee!

Can't wait to see the recipe though!!! :lick:

[Sydneyp]

I find that worchestershire sauce (lots of it!) adds 'the taste.' Also, a few tablespoons of tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes, ripe and reduced) will add the sweetness.

We prefer cottage pie (minced beef) to sheppherd's pie (lamb) but the rest is the same...beef broth, tomato paste, worchestershire sauce (1/2 bottle or so) black pepper (an ungodly amount) and salt to taste. (I add a bit of flour to make it more 'clingy.' I also let it simmer hard to reduce for a while.

When I make the sauce, I wing it...but when I taste it, I remember to overshoot the seasoning, because when you add the meat it cuts the seasoning.

Good luck.

[Turtleheadfred]

Wow! See - that's NOTHING like what it is here!

[Csara]

LOL - I'm with you Turtle. That is nothing like how I make Sheperd's Pie, but I'm sure mine is far from authentic. :lol: It tastes good though....

1 lb. ground beef (I use ground turkey)
chopped carrots
chopped celery
1 medium onion, diced
1 can tomato sauce
2-3 potatoes
garlic, salt and pepper to taste


Boil potatoes, mash and season to taste with milk, butter and salt.

Brown ground beef, add onions, celery and carrots and cook until soft. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste. Add can of tomato sauce and let simmer until heated through.

In 13x9 pan place meat and vegetable mixture in bottom of pan. Cover with mashed potatoes.

Bake in oven at 350 for 30 mins or until potatoes are browned on top.