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Soda Bread and Shepherd’s Pie

A wee nod to the Irish

By DAVE ROGERS - 14-year army veteran
Posted 3/12/22

There is a lot of disagreement with where Shepherd’s (or Sheppard’s Pie, as I like to call it) comes from, but there is no doubt that it is a favorite in Ireland.  Of course, while it is a regular dish in many traditional Irish families, most people have it around St. Patrick’s day with some good Soda Bread.  

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Soda Bread and Shepherd’s Pie

A wee nod to the Irish

Posted

There is a lot of disagreement with where Shepherd’s (or Sheppard’s Pie, as I like to call it) comes from, but there is no doubt that it is a favorite in Ireland.  

Of course, while it is a regular dish in many traditional Irish families, most people have it around St. Patrick’s day with some good Soda Bread.  

Growing up in New York, I have had many different types of Soda Bread, some plain, others with currants, some with caraway seeds, and even had it with cheese on top.  

While I am fine with just a plain soda bread, from time to time I do like it with currants.  

Irish Soda Bread  

To start with I am going to make the Soda Bread as it takes longer to bake.  

In a large bowl mix: 4 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda (hens the name soda bread.)  

Add 5 tablespoons of frozen unsalted butter, and crush together until the butter is pea size.  

Stir in 1 1/3 cup of buttermilk and an egg (the egg is optional; it will make the bread a little denser.)  

Now if you can’t find currants, you can leave them out. I have seen people make them with raisins but it is not the same.  

Mix with your hand until it is moist and sticky, don’t over kneed.  

Remove from bowl and make into a round form, cutting a cross into the top. My grandmother used to say that ‘it is to keep evil spirits away,’ but really it helps the bread cook easier. Makes me wonder if the older generation told the story of evil spirits just to remind you to cut the cross in the top.  

You can use a baking pan, but I like to cook mine in my Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, it gives it a little extra crispy bottom.  

Brush with more buttermilk and place in a 400-degree oven for 45 min to an hour. Until the crust is golden brown.  

Guinness Shepherd’s Pie 

Serving for 4 For the Potato crust: 1 pound rustic potatoes, ½ cup milk, ½ stick salted butter (I use the Kerri Gold garlic and herb,) salt and pepper to taste, 2 egg yolks, shredded Parmesan cheese.  

Peel and cut potatoes. Be sure to cut them about 1 inch and about the same size for all so they cook evenly.  

Boil for about 15-20 min or until they are soft to a fork’s touch.  

Add salt pepper, egg yolks, butter and milk and mash together. Shred in some Parmesan cheese (be generous, this will help create the golden crust).  

For the filling: 2 lb. lamb (while traditionally Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, it is okay to use beef, which really makes it “Cottage Pie.”)  

1shallot or ½ white onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 can of carrots and peas, 1 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 scoop of tomato paste, ½ cup Guinness Stout (optional, you can use red wine), ½ cup beef broth, salt, pepper, white pepper to taste,1 teaspoon thyme,1 teaspoon rosemary.  

Using my pre-heated cast iron skillet, I am going to pour in the oil, and start browning the meat. Add your salt, pepper, white pepper, thyme and rosemary.  

Shred your onion, and garlic in and add in your Worcestershire sauce.  

Once browned add your tomato paste and Guinness Stout. Let it reduce down a little, about 2-3 minutes, (for a thicker sauce you can use a little flour.)  

Add beef broth and let reduce for another 3-4 minutes. If it is too watery, remove some of the juice so it does not spill over, but also because it is not a stew. You don’t want it too watery.  

If you are using your cast iron skillet like I am, fill the bottom and you can add the potatoes on top and slide in the oven. If you are using a pan, fill about ¾ a way up, spread on the potatoes, shred some extra cheese on top, and fork it to give texture.  

Slide in oven for 25-30 minutes on 375 or until the top is golden brown.  

You can watch episodes of “Cooking with a Veteran” on Facebook and YouTube @ cookingwithaveteran, and don’t forget to like and share the page with others. If there is a dish you would like to see Dave make, or want to find out more about the show and the project you can email Dave at dave-rogers1969@ live.com. 

 Dave is also looking for guests to come on the show, so if you are a veteran or help veterans and would like to share your love for cooking feel free to email Dave.  

Until next time: Hoorah!