When you’re craving hearty, satisfying English food for dinner, Shepherd’s pie should be high on your list of options. Today, this pub classic is served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and potato toppings. As you whet your appetite for English food, here are a few fun facts about Shepherd’s pie, its origins, and its varieties. 

What Is Shepherd’s Pie?

The original version of the dish hailed from Scotland. It was a way to make the most out of leftover meat. Meat pieces were combined with gravy and vegetables and baked into a pastry crust. This Scottish invention slowly made its way to Ireland and eventually became a staple of English food. After Shepherd’s pie gained popularity in Ireland, a potato topping, as opposed to pie crust, became more popular due to the abundance of this starchy vegetable.

A classic Shepherd’s pie will be hearty, soft, and savory. The combination of potato topping, stewed meats, gravy, and vegetables is filling and warm with a creamy texture, making it the perfect dish on a cold, rainy day or when you’re craving comfort food. 

Varieties of Shepherd’s Pie

Cottage pie and Shepherd’s pie are terms often used interchangeably to describe this casserole-type pie. However, they do denote differences in the ingredients. A cottage pie includes beef as the primary protein, whereas Shepherd’s pie traditionally uses lamb. This dish can be prepared with or without a pastry crust as the potato topping remains the primary focus.

Vegetarians also have the opportunity to enjoy a hearty Shepherd’s pie. Many English food restaurants serve a meat-free version that combines carrots, peas, and lentils in a mushroom gravy with mashed potato topping. Vegetable broth and fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, and garlic give this dish an equally satisfying flavor.

Are you craving a Shepherd’s pie served “cottage-style?” If so, Mad Dogs and Englishmen is the perfect destination for your next meal. Conveniently located in the heart of South Tampa, FL, this lively pub and restaurant has been serving classic English food and ice cold drinks for over 25 years. To make a reservation, call today at (813) 832-3037. To browse their menu, visit their website.