What is the difference between shepherds pie and cottage pie?
Let’s start with a fairly well-known one: there is a difference between “cottage pie” and “shepherd’s pie”, and it’s in the meat. Shepherd’s pie should only be named as such if it contains lamb, and “cottage” usually applies to one made with beef.
Why is my cottage pie so runny?
Your Shepherd’s Pie might turn out to be runny for a few reasons: If you use low quality lamb mince (which may contain added water) If you use too much stock. If you don’t reduce/simmer for long enough.
How do you keep mash from sinking into cottage pie?
To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one. For a really crisp, golden topping, flash under the grill for a few mins before serving.
What is the difference between cottage pie and Cumberland pie?
Traditionally, cottage pie has a sliced potato crust topping, but you can use mashed potatoes as an alternative. Cumberland pie is a close relative of cottage pie—the only real difference is that cooks use large chunks of beef rather than ground meat.
Why is a cottage pie called a pie?
The name “cottage pie” was first used at the end of the 18th century. It was around that time that the poorer people of Britain, people who lived in cottages in the country, started using potatoes as an everyday food. Originally, a pie made with any kind of meat and a potato topping was called a “cottage pie”.
How do you thicken cottage pie?
Easy as pie! Mix 1 teaspoon of flour with 1 teaspoon of water and stir until smooth. Add this flour slurry, a little at a time, to your runny Shepherd’s Pie filling while it is still baking. Once thickened, remove from the oven.
How do you make shepherds pie not fall apart?
Layering Cottage and Shepherd’s Pie Use a large-enough oven-proof skillet or transfer the filling to a casserole dish. Drop spoonfuls of the mashed potatoes on top. The mash should be firm so the pie won’t fall apart when serving.
Why is it called Chinese pie?
Most workers ate their meat, potatoes and corn separately but workers of mainly Asian origins, combined their rations to create shepherd’s pie, a more communal dish. The French-Canadian railway workers liked this new concoction, adopted the dish, and called it “pâté chinois”, which loosely translates to Chinese pie.