Shepherd's Turkey Pie

Shepherd's Turkey Pie Recipe from United Kingdom with Thyme and Rosemary

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shepherd's Turkey Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe is a twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie, using turkey instead of lamb or beef for a lighter and healthier option.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes, it was a way to make a delicious meal out of odds and ends. This version with turkey is a modern twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

2 onions, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cups turkey / chicken, cooked and chopped
0.25 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups carrots, sliced and steamed
2 cups tomato / canned peeled diced
0.5 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp dried rosemary
6 potatoes, cooked and mashed

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, sauté the onions in the oil for 5 minutes.
Add the turkey (or chicken).
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to blend.
Add the chicken stock, carrots, tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
Cook over medium heat until thickened.
Pour into a lightly oiled 3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole dish.
Spread the potatoes over the top.
Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until browned.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey for the chopped chicken for a different texture.
Add peas or corn to the filling for extra color and flavor.
Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a twist on the classic topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onions until they are soft and translucent to bring out their sweetness.

- Steaming the carrots before adding them to the pie ensures that they are cooked through and tender.

- Be sure to cook the flour in the oil and onions to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.

- For a crispy top, broil the pie for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Shepherd's Turkey Pie with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavor.

- Thickening the sauce with flour creates a rich and creamy filling.

- Baking the pie in the oven ensures that the flavors meld together and the top gets crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey instead of chopped chicken for a different texture.

- Substitute beef or lamb for the turkey for a more traditional Shepherd's Pie.

- Use gluten-free flour for a wheat-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for this Shepherd's Turkey Pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just top with the mashed potatoes and bake when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Shepherd's Turkey Pie in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Shepherd's Turkey Pie pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Shepherd's Turkey Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains wheat (flour)

Summary

This Shepherd's Turkey Pie is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is rich in vitamins A and C, and provides a moderate amount of calories per serving.

Summary

Shepherd's Turkey Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. This recipe is a healthier twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie, using turkey instead of lamb or beef. With a creamy filling and crispy mashed potato topping, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shepherd's Turkey Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother.

I remember it like it was yesterday. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she had decided to make this delicious pie for the occasion. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I was in awe of her skill and creativity.

The aroma of the cooking turkey filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I asked my mother how she had learned to make such a wonderful dish, and she smiled and told me the story of how she had acquired the recipe.

She told me that many years ago, when she was a young bride just starting out in the world, she had gone to visit her aunt in the countryside. Her aunt was a fabulous cook, and my mother had always admired her culinary skills.

One day, while they were sitting in the kitchen chatting and sipping tea, her aunt had pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf. It was filled with all sorts of delicious recipes, and my mother was immediately drawn to one in particular.

It was a recipe for Shepherd's Pie, but with a twist - instead of using traditional ground beef, it called for turkey. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, my mother knew she had to try it for herself.

Her aunt showed her how to prepare the dish, guiding her through each step with patience and care. As they worked together in the kitchen, my mother soaked up every little detail, eager to learn and improve her own cooking skills.

When the pie came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, my mother knew she had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of tender turkey, savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes was a revelation to her taste buds.

From that day on, Shepherd's Turkey Pie became a staple in our family's meal rotation. Whenever we had guests over, or just wanted to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal, my mother would whip up a batch of this delectable dish.

As I grew older and began to explore my own passion for cooking, I asked my mother to teach me how to make Shepherd's Turkey Pie. She passed down the recipe to me, just as her aunt had done for her all those years ago.

I remember the first time I attempted to make the pie on my own. I followed the recipe to a tee, carefully measuring out each ingredient and following each step with precision. As the pie baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement.

When I finally took it out and sliced into it, the aroma that wafted up from the dish brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. The taste was just as I remembered - rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, making Shepherd's Turkey Pie for my own family, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me. This recipe has been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own touch and making it their own.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will stand in their kitchens, making Shepherd's Turkey Pie, and think of me with the same sense of love and appreciation that I feel for my own mother and her aunt. Cooking is more than just mixing ingredients together - it's a way to connect with our past, to honor our traditions, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.