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ClockworkOrange
02-24-2006, 04:48 PM
Here's a great recipe for Shepherd's pie using easily available ingredients. It calls for ground beef but if you can find some lamb, use that instead or a mixture of beef/lamb. I usually keep Newcastle or Yuengling Lager around for cooking with but use whatever amber or brown ale you have on hand.

For the filling:
Heat 2 Tblsp. butter in large skillet on med-high till foaming, add 1 large onion and 2-3 carrots both diced fine. Cook till soft about 10 min. Add 2 Lbs. Ground Chuck(85% lean) and 1/2 tsp. each of salt & pepper. Cook, breaking the meat up into small pieces till browned. Add 5 Tblsp. flour and 1 Tblsp. tomato paste. Cook for 1 min. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream. Cook another min. Add 1 3/4 cups chicken broth, 3/4 cup beer 2 Tblsp. soy sauce, and 2 Tblsp. minced fresh thyme. Simmer over medium heat uncovered until thick about 20 min. Remove from heat, Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, add more salt & pepper if neccessary and spoon mixture into a 2 Qt. broiler safe casserole dish.

For the topping:
Place 3 lbs. russet potatoes(peeled, and cut into cubes) in a large saucepan, cover with water, add 1/2 tsp. salt . Bring to boil them reduce heat to medium and simmer till tender about 20 mins. Drain potatoes, return to pot, and mash with 2 Tbl. butter, 1/3 cup heavy cream, salt & pepper to taste.
Spread mashed potatoes over filling, smooth out with spatula, brush top with 1 beaten egg and run a fork across the topping to make ridges. Bake at 375F for 15 min. then place under the broiler and broil about 3-5 min. till top is golden. Remove, let cool 10 min. and serve. Enjoy alongside your favorite beer!

studentofbeer
02-27-2006, 04:16 PM
looks great. similar to what i make, but i've never tried cream in the filling, and the fresh thyme sounds like a nice addition. was planning on making this friday so maybe i will try it. also, i usually put mushrooms in it, use Worchestershire sauce instead of soy sauce and top it with some cheddar, paprika and freshly grated nutmeg.

i agree, using lamb is tastier. this is a quintessential beer meal to me. i can't really imagine shephard's pie with wine or something.

ClockworkOrange
02-27-2006, 04:30 PM
The addition of the mushrooms and cheese would be great since I love them both. The soy sauce disappears in the background and you can't tell it's in there. It just adds a depth of flavor and makes it taste meatier. Worchestershire sauce sometimes tends to be overpowering. But, if you like it, use it. I always tailor recipes to suit my tastes. If you make it, let us know what you think and also what beer you enjoyed along with it.

corkybstewart
02-27-2006, 05:59 PM
My mom used to make this, but probably not as good. Actually I ate it so I learned to hate it. She also added a layer of steamed green beans between the meat and topping. Maybe I'll give it a try again.

chazwicke
02-27-2006, 06:22 PM
I've had it with peas.

HarkJohnny
02-28-2006, 12:24 PM
Originally posted by chazwicke
I've had it with peas.

definitely! the scottish place in downtown Cincy serves it and it's delish. great with some REAL ale!

conrad
02-28-2006, 12:43 PM
Great looking recipe. I think I will try it out.
Here, the French Canadians call it Pate Chinois, which translates as Chinese Pudding, or loaf. So called because to the French, the language is incomprehensibly mixed up, and this meal is a mix of stuff, especially when you get it on your plate and stir a bit.
The basic Pate Chinois is 3 layers: Burger on the bottom, Niblets corn in the middle, and mashed potato on top. Variations include seasoning the meat, adding other veg, such as your carrots or peas, and dusting the top of the spuds with ground cheese. In any case, it is a cheap nutritious meal that anyone can cook.
Right up there with poutine. Poutine and beer. MMMMMM.

chazwicke
02-28-2006, 12:47 PM
Originally posted by HarkJohnny
definitely! the scottish place in downtown Cincy serves it and it's delish. great with some REAL ale!

No I mean....I've had it with peas!;)

Wonder if you could make it with beets?

newportstorm
02-28-2006, 12:51 PM
This rendition (lamb, mushrooms, cheese, etc) sounds great! My mom's recipe with beef, potato and corn was bland as a kid. I simply called it "Mush". Blech!

corkybstewart
02-28-2006, 04:12 PM
I've got one question. Do I the grind the lamb, or ljust chop it finely?And I can't see cooking this without a generous addition of garlic. And then I'ld probably put some hot green chile in, and pretty soon it's unrecognizable.

steveh
02-28-2006, 06:58 PM
Most shepherd's pie I've had has used ground meat - though course grind.

S.

ontap78
02-28-2006, 07:09 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by chazwicke
[B]No I mean....I've had it with peas!;)[QUOTE] C'mon Chaz, give peas a chance.

DecoJuicer
02-28-2006, 07:20 PM
Peas be with you.

wortchillergoal
02-28-2006, 08:08 PM
I have been known to ask a charming, good looking waitress for shepherd's dessert. A cup of coffee and ewe.

DecoJuicer
02-28-2006, 08:26 PM
Originally posted by wortchillergoal
I have been known to ask a charming, good looking waitress for shepherd's dessert. A cup of coffee and ewe.

How many times has that one gotten you a hot cup of coffee in the lap??;)

ClockworkOrange
02-28-2006, 08:51 PM
You guys are killin' me with the peas.

wortchillergoal
02-28-2006, 09:41 PM
Originally posted by DecoJuicer
How many times has that one gotten you a hot cup of coffee in the lap??;)

None yet, but I am still trying.

Goban
02-28-2006, 09:50 PM
That sounds very good.

When my family makes it we used ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, corn and peas…

I would really like to try your recipe, especially the use of the brew. Maybe a good Irish Red. Mmm.

DecoJuicer
03-01-2006, 12:57 AM
Originally posted by wortchillergoal
None yet, but I am still trying.

I'm sure that your determination will pay off.