Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Introduction
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a delightful and comforting twist on the traditional Shepherd’s pie. It embodies all the rich and savory flavors you love from the classic dish but served in a warm and inviting bowl, making it perfect for those colder nights.
Why Make This Recipe
If you cherish the hearty flavor of a classic Shepherd’s pie, then you’ll love this soup. It offers all the comfort of the homely dish in an easy-to-serve style. It’s a great way to make a Shepherd’s pie more relaxed and casual, yet just as delicious.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground lamb (or beef)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup half-and-half or milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
1. Start cooking the Meat: On medium heat, heat up the olive oil in a large pot. Add the ground lamb and cook till it browns. Remove excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook till the veggies soften which would take around 5 minutes.
3. Enhance the flavors: Stir in the tomato paste and flour, let it cook for an extra 2 minutes.
4. Let it simmer: Gradually add the beef broth while stirring constantly. Bring it to a simmer, add in the peas, corn, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes for the flavors to blend together properly.
5. Prepping the Potatoes: As the soup simmers, boil the potatoes in a separate pot till they are tender. Drain them, mash with half-and-half and butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serving: Pour out the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of mashed potatoes. Warm, comforting and incredibly delicious Shepherd’s Pie Soup is ready for you to dive in!
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup
This soup can be served as a full meal due to its hardiness from the meat and veggies. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch of freshness against the comforting broth. Enjoy it with a side of warm bread or rolls.
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Store your Shepherd’s Pie Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow it cool before storing, and heat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
1. You can try using ground beef instead of lamb for a slightly different flavor.
2. When cooking the meat, ensure it is thoroughly cooked and browned for a rich flavor.
3. Make sure you simmer the soup long enough for the flavors to fully meld together. The simmering process allows each ingredient to impart its flavor into the broth.
Variations (if any)
1. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Soup: Substitute the ground lamb with a meat substitute for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground lamb with a meat substitute or lentils.
2. Can I use fresh peas and corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh or canned peas and corn can also work in this recipe. However, using frozen is easiest as they don’t require pre-cooking.
3. Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, if you want a lighter version, you can use chicken or vegetable broth. However, beef broth gives a richer flavor that matches well with the ground lamb.
Experience the comfort and delight of classic Shepherd’s Pie in a whole new way with this Shepherd’s Pie Soup. It’s warm, hearty, and promises to leave you soothed and satisfied. Bon appétit!