Here's what Wikipedia says cottage pie is... it sounds YUMMY!
Cottage pie, is a traditional English dish made with minced meat covered with mashed potato and often topped with cheese. While a variety of meats can be used, the dish is traditionally made from beef or lamb. The lamb version is often called shepherd's pie but neither term is exact.
The meat is prepared by dicing or mincing, and frying with chopped onions, seasoning, and dripping (from the roast) or stock. In the UK, Oxo cubes are a popular form of stock for this dish. Other ingredients can include garlic, chopped carrots, peas or other vegetables, mushrooms, herbs (such as thyme and parsley), tomato purée, and wine. A quick version can be made using canned oxtail soup.
The meat is laid in a dish and covered with mashed potato, to which milk, butter or dripping may be added. The upper surface of the mashed potato may be scored with a fork or, for a decorative effect, it may be piped. The pie is then baked in the oven, making the top surface golden and crisp. Grated cheese can be sprinkled on top prior to baking. |