Delicious Irish Pie Recipe: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
As you pour yourself a glass of red wine, take a moment to imagine a pie brimming with beef, veggies, and crowned with golden-brown mashed potatoes. This pie is not just any ordinary pie – this is the alluring Irish Pie.
Ah, the Irish Pie. A hearty and filling dish that has been a staple in the British cuisine for centuries. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday dinner, or any time you crave some comfort food.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why yet another pie recipe?” But trust me; once you taste this recipe’s buttery puff pastry, rich and flavorful red wine stewing beef filling, and crispy mashed potato topping, your taste buds will thank you.
Filled with tender beef, carrots, onions, potatoes, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme – this dish is a meal on its own! This meaty pie is like having Shepherd’s Pie but kicked up a notch so that it’s more delicious than ever before.
Allow me to show you how to master the traditional Irish ins and outs of making an extraordinary Pie. So why settle for mediocrity when you can indulge in the humble and tasty Irish Pie?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, you’ll be glad to hear about this recipe. It’s the classic Irish Pie recipe that has been passed down from generations to generations, and it will make you fall in love with the traditional Irish flavors.
The perfect combination of tender stewing beef, veggies, and rich gravy is packed with tons of flavor that will tickle your taste buds. What makes this recipe special? It’s the use of red wine and beef bouillon cubes along with the traditional Irish ingredients: rosemary, thyme, and lamb.
Trust me, when you pull it out of the oven – golden brown puff pastry on top and meaty filling bubbling away below – it’s an experience in itself. And that aroma! Absolutely mouthwatering.
This Irish shepherd pie made with puff pastry is a somewhat fancied-up version of shepherd’s pie or cottage pie – usually a cheap dish made with leftover veg and meat mixed up with mashed potatoes. Our little twist elevates things significantly and transforms it into Irish Cottage Pie Meat; a perfect balance between flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance for joy.
Not only is this recipe delicious but it is also very filling- making it an economical option for dinner parties or potlucks. Alongside providing a hearty meal to keep one sustained throughout periods of famine or hardship, Meat Pies are also an iconic and experiential part of sharing culture in Ireland.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can get creative and make your own variations – adding in cheese, different herbs, experimenting with different meats such as ground beef or chicken – options are endless. Give it a shot, my friends! You’ll have everyone at the table praising you for creating such delicious Irish comfort food.
Ingredient List
- 2 pounds of stewing beef, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced thin
- 1 cup of water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- 1 lb of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ cup of red wine
The ingredient list may seem lengthy but most ingredients are pantry staples. You can use other types of meat like lamb, ground beef, or a mixture. The rosemary and thyme add depth to the sauce. Don’t forget to season the meat as it’s essential to bring out the rich flavors of the stew.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Filling:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add 2 pounds of stewing beef, 1 lb of ground lamb, 1 finely diced large onion and 2 sliced large carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally until the meat has browned on all sides, and the onions and carrots have softened, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
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Drain the fat then add 4 cups of water or beef broth, two beef bouillon cubes and a can of tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer then cover it with a lid. Let it simmer until the meat is tender.
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Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat into a bowl.
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Skim any fat off from the cooking liquid with a spoon or ladle.
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Bring the liquid back to simmering heat and gradually add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch+4 tablespoons of cold water, stirring continuously until it thickens.
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Add back the cooked meat, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, and 1 tablespoon dried thyme.
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Pour in 1 cup of red wine
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Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Assembling the Pie:
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Preheat your oven to 375 Fahrenheit.
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Make sure that your puff pastry has thawed before using it.
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Transfer your filling into a deep pie dish or baking dish.
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Top with mashed potatoes making sure that they are spread evenly across.
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Bake in your pre-heated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
I hope you enjoy this traditional Irish shepherd’s pie recipe as much as I do! This recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s day or any day, and it’s a great way to get in touch with Irish culture. Don’t forget to serve it with some red wine or traditional Irish cream for an authentic experience!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about being creative and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations to try with this Irish Pie Recipe:
1. Lean ground beef or lamb can be used in place of stewing beef. If using ground meat, cook it until browned before adding it to the vegetable mixture.
2. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils.
3. You can add other vegetables to the filling such as green beans, peas or sweet potatoes.
4. For a more savory taste, add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar or soy sauce.
5. Instead of red wine, you can use beer or beef broth as a liquid component in the stew.
6. Spice up your pie by adding cayenne powder or smoked paprika to the filling.
7. Top your pie with mashed sweet potatoes instead of the traditional mashed potatoes.
8. Make it spicy by adding chopped chili peppers or hot sauce to the mix.
9. For a different twist, swap out the puff pastry for shortcrust pastry or pie crust.
Try some of these substitutions and variations and see how they change the flavor of your Shepherd’s pie recipe into something uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this rich and hearty Irish pie, I recommend pairing it with a pint of your favorite stout or red wine. The bold flavors in the shepherd’s pie will complement the full-bodied richness of the beer or wine, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
In terms of sides, I suggest keeping it simple with some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to provide some color and balance to the dish. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter option.
If you’re feeling more traditional, then serving creamy mashed potatoes alongside the pie is always a perfect match. You can use any leftover mashed potatoes from making the filling or make a fresh batch just for serving.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment by adding some grated Irish cheddar cheese to the top of the pie before baking. The cheese will melt and create a delicious golden crust that adds another layer of flavor and texture to this already mouth-watering dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who understands how busy life can be, I recommend making this Irish Pie recipe ahead of time. You can make it up to two days before you plan on serving it. After following the recipe’s instructions and allowing it to cool to room temperature, put the pie in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to reheat your Irish Pie, there are a few options for you. You can either cook it in the oven or microwave it. If reheating in the oven, preheat it to 375°F and place your refrigerated pie directly into the oven. Cooking time may vary between 15-20 minutes based on what size of pie you have.
Alternatively, if reheating is done through a microwave, first remember you cannot microwave a pie that has already been baked with puff pastry. The pastry will turn soggy upon reheating.
In this instance as your recipe does not use puff pastry but mashed potatoes for topping, you can slice and serve cold and store any portions or leftovers of the Irish Pie with a tightly wrapped cling film inside the fridge where it should last up-to three days.
However, it is important to note that pies made from beef or lamb should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If any leftovers have been sitting out for longer than that, discard them rather than trying to reheat them.
To get the most flavors out of your reheated pie – especially if one that has been refrigerated for a couple of days – consider adding some gravy or sauce over top before reheating which will enhance flavors while preventing dryness during reheating.
By following these tips, you can easily make-ahead and store this delicious Irish Pie recipe without sacrificing any taste quality or freshness!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making an Irish Pie recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results every time.
First and foremost, always use high-quality ingredients. Look for lean ground beef or lamb, fresh vegetables and herbs, and a good quality red wine to enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Using fresh ingredients will also ensure that your pie has the best texture possible.
Another important tip is to properly season your meat mixture. Be sure to use salt and pepper, and don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings like rosemary and thyme. A touch of tomato paste can also add depth and richness to the overall flavor.
When making the puff pastry crust for your pie, be sure to work quickly and efficiently with chilled dough. This will help prevent the pastry from becoming too sticky or tough as you shape it over your meat mixture.
To create a perfectly crispy puff pastry crust, brush the top of your pastry with a mixture of egg wash and water before baking. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and help it crisp up nicely in the oven.
Finally, when it comes to serving your Irish Pie, consider pairing it with a traditional side dish like mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. These hearty sides will complement the rich flavors of your pie and make for a truly satisfying meal.
By following these tips, you’re sure to create an Irish Pie recipe that is both delicious and impressive – perfect for sharing on St. Patrick’s Day or any cold winter evening.
FAQ
As we wrap up this Irish Pie recipe article, let us go through some of the commonly asked questions about this dish. I’ve compiled a list of inquiries and provided their answers to help you understand more about this classic pie recipe.
What is the traditional pie of Ireland?
A savory pie that is quite popular in Irish pubs is the classic Guinness pie made from meat and infused with the rich flavors of Guinness stout beer.
What is Irish shepherd’s pie made of?
For the perfect shepherd’s pie, a delectable mixture of ground lamb or beef cooked in savory gravy and onions is the heart of the dish. Along with some additional vegetables and topped with a layer of velvety mashed potatoes, it creates a heavenly meal.
Is Shepherd’s pie Irish or English?
In the 1700s, when resources were scarce in Ireland, people had to be creative with their meals. Shepherd’s pie is a dish that evolved from the need to use every bit of available food.
Is cottage pie Irish or English?
This particular kind of pie hails from the United Kingdom and Ireland, and is classified as a savory pie. It consists of minced meat, lined with a layer of mashed or sliced potato on top. The dish is commonly referred to as either Cottage pie or Shepherd’s pie.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Irish Pie recipe is one that should definitely make it to your top recipe list. It is a perfect balance of flavor and texture with its rich beef filling, aromatic herbs, and crisp puff pastry. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or craving some hearty comfort food during cold winter nights, this dish will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and filling meal.
With its versatile ingredient list and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can try their hand at making this classic dish. And if you’re feeling creative, don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own.
From its traditional Irish roots to its popularity as an English pub staple, the Shepherd’s Pie has become a timeless classic enjoyed by many. So why not add a little bit of Irish flair to your cooking repertoire and give this recipe a try? Trust me; you’ll love it!
Irish Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stewing beef
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 large onions, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 0.5 (170 g) can tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup frozen peas
- puff pastry
Instructions
- In a deep oven-proof skillet, heat oil. Season beef. Sear beef on all sides in hot oil. Add beef base, onions, potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper and water. Simmer for about 1 hour until beef is tender.
- Combine cornstarch and wine. Slowly add to simmering stew, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat. Add peas. Set aside.
- Roll puff pastry into a rectangle large enough to cover top of skillet.
- Cover stewed mixture with puff pastry, trimming to fit. Pierce pastry with fork. Bake in a 400F oven for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F for 20 minutes.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.