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How Do I Make ... ?
Shepherds Pie
Expats will already know that Chinese people do not eat any types of pie - it is simply not in their cuisine. Martino's Restaurant in Foshan does make an excellent Shepherds Pie, but this is the only one we have ever found in the whole of China. So if you like this and do not live in Foshan, you will have to make it yourself.

The ingredients are easy to locate, but you will need something to use as an oven, as a normal Chinese kitchen does not have an oven.

Definitions:
Many dishes are sold as being Shepherds Pie, but some are not.
• Shepherds Pie is made using minced (Ground) lamb or mutton. It is normally served with a little cheese on the top.
• Cottage Pie is the correct term for the virtually identical dish made using minced beef. In USA this is called Shepherds Pie confusingly! I am sure American Shepherd's do not herd cattle. Here is USA!
• Ocean Pie is similar, but uses cuts of different fish and shellfish as the main ingredients instead of meat.
• You can use any meat, as this is a rustic recipe ideally suited to throwing whatever you have handy into the pot. There are pork and chicken versions, but remember that if you are experimenting in this way, then you may need to adjust the herbs and vegetables accordingly. For instance, Cottage pie made with minced beef often has parsnips in it.

Vegetables:
The standard recipe calls for Onion, Carrots and Celery. Whilst the white onions and celery are pretty essential, carrots can often made this dish slightly sweet. The same is true if you add a little sweet corn or use red onions. Another option is to add some garden peas, as a colourful presentation is also important once you have mastered the basics. Leeks are also another common ingredient, especially in the beef version. For a more savoury palate, replace the carrots and sweet corn with broad beans - works a treat! We will keep it simple to begin.

Recipe Source:

Image: Simply Recipes Logo - Click for Website
Elise, USA  
Websites:
Simply Recipes  
Elise gives a good basic recipe for Cottage Pie, which we have adapted for British Shepherds Pie using minced lamb as made by Jonno's Mother.  
Let's get started:- British Shepherds Pie
Ingredients: Image: imBella Shepherds Pie - Click for website
Picture courtesy of imBella
• 1 1/2 lbs minced (Ground) beef
• 1 white onion chopped
• 1-2 cups vegetables - chopped celery, carrots, corn, peas
• 1 1/2 - 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones)
• 1/2 pound of butter
• 1/2 cup beef broth or gravy
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice
•  Grated cheddar cheese for topping
Method
1. Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).
2. While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 a stick) in large frying pan.
3. Sauté onions in butter until tender over medium heat (10 mins).Add vegetables, add them according to cooking time. Put the celery and any carrots in with the onions. Add corn or peas either at the end of the cooking of the onions, or after the meat has initially cooked.
4. Add minced lamb and sauté until no longer pink. Add Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Add half a cup of  broth or gravy and begin to cook. Add salt after a few minutes and continue cooking uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more broth as necessary to keep meat moist.
5. Mash potatoes in bowl with butter, season to taste. 3 oz of butter should produce a creamy texture, but if it is too thick, add a little fresh whole milk - not too much!
6. Place meat mixture in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes on top. Score with a knife or fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. You can make artistic designs in the potatoes as well.
7. Lightly glaze with a little butter for a golden brown topping.
8. Sprinkle a little finely grated Cheddar cheese over the top to finish.
9. Cook in 400 degree oven (220C) until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes).
Additional Recipes and Information:
Image: Videojug Logo Videojug again provide an excellent video walkthrough, although we prefer the above recipe to the one they give.
Image: inBella Logo This website offers a simple recipe and an expert version. We think this shows just how diverse and adaptable this dish can be. Please scroll down the page for main content.
Image: Tyan's Blog This blog gives a very different and interesting twist, and is very well worth viewing by anyone looking for a more 'Italian Style' version.
Image: Cook UK Logo Another interesting recipe that we suggest you look at - the permutations really are endless!
This information is as supplied by ourselves, and ably supported by our friends and various internet portals. In addition we personally wish to thank Elise of Simply Recipes and Jonno's Mother for sharing with us all their excellent skills and recipes.
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