Foodie Friday – Cumberland Pie

A Cumberland Pie looks similar to Cottage Pie or Shepherd's Pie but it is different.  It is true that all 3 sorts of pies are topped with mashed potato.

Cumberland Pies go all the way back to the Middle Ages in England.  They started off with pastry on top and somewhere along the way morphed into having mashed potato.  And then there is a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs.  So because I like cheese and breadcrumbs on top of a shepherd's pie I have been unknowingly making a Cumberland.

The filling of this pie can be beef or lamb but it will also include vegetables (and sometimes sweet elements such as dried fruit)

This recipe comes from Food Fanatic

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 3 pounds Russet Potato, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Milk, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 2 pounds Beef Chuck, or round roast, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 8 ounces Carrot, sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Flour
• 1 cup Beef Stock

Directions

For the topping:

1. To a large pan add the potatoes, add cold water until the potatoes are covered and bring to a boil.
2. Turn down to a low boil and cook for 20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes a colander, and add back to the pan. Mash until smooth and add the butter, milk, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F.

For the filling:

1. Add vegetable oil to a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 of the beef. If the pan is too crowded, the meat will not brown, it will boil. Season with half of the salt and pepper, sauté until browned. Remove and set aside, repeat with the other half of the beef.
2. To the drippings (add more oil if needed) add the onion, cook until softened. Stir in the carrots, garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mix well. Sprinkle the flour and mix in well, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the beef stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until some of the liquid has reduced.
5. Stir in the beef and turn off the heat.
6. Transfer the beef to your preferred dish and top with the mashed potato, grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden.