What is Shepherd’s Pie and Where Did It Come From?
Have you ever had a Shepherd’s Pie? If not, you’re missing out. We’ve got a from-scratch authentically-made one on our menu that you’ve really got to try! But first, let’s talk about the history of one of Ireland’s most beloved dishes and why it’s so adored by Irish and non-Irish alike.
Shepherd’s Pie first came about late in the 1700s and early 1800s. Accordingly, housewives back then were on the frugal side. Much like we do today, they were looking for ways to incorporate those leftovers that husbands and kids would turn up their noses at. The struggle was real back then just like today.
While Shepherd’s Pie certainly came about as a way to put those leftovers to good use, the results were delicious. Recipes vary widely but have the same basic structure. There’s a crust of mashed potatoes on the top and bottom. Inside, there’s minced meat. A Cottage Pie is similar and uses beef while a Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb or mutton.
The meat is simmered in a gravy of onions and other vegetables like celery, carrots or peas, sometimes all of these. The result is something comforting and delicious that will warm you from the inside out. So while the history of this dish is anything but mystifying, it is something that Irish cooks like to put their own unique spin on. Like anything else, it’s fun to try out different seasonings and vegetables. And just like everyone makes mashed potatoes in their own way, the whole thing can be an incredibly diverse experience.
Try Shepherd’s Pie at every Irish pub you visit and you’re bound to find they all taste great but have distinctive differences. We have our own secret recipe for Shepherd’s Pie that you’ll love. It’s rich and meaty with perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes serving as the ideal vessel to contain it.
Not into the red meat? Try our Chicken Pot Pie instead. It’s a bit of the same concept, only it’s made with a crispy puff pastry crust that billows high above the savory filling inside. Like our Shepherd’s Pie, we make it from scratch, but the chicken pot pie is made with all natural tender white meat chicken breast. We hope you’ll come in soon to try them out. A great time to stop by is during our daily Happy Hour. It’s every day from 4pm to 6pm with food and drink specials to make the end of your day the best part. A Shepherd’s Pie goes fantastically with our selection of draft beers too, which are all $5 each during Happy Hour so stop in for one at The Irish Nobleman Irish Pub today!