Irish American Cooking ----- Shepherds Pie #recipe

The cooking style in Ireland was primarily developed by Irish individuals. Through years of social and political change different cultures have come together to create a cuisine of English and Irish. Like Ireland the cuisine is made upon crops and animals farmed in the climate of Ireland.

The English conquest of the early 17th century took land away from those who farmed it thus cutting the food supply as well. This was not only bad for those living on the land but for both English and Scottish armed forces as well. This event added a bit of sophistication of the native cuisine just a bit as the English took over. It was the potato that was what kept the poor fed. Potatoes is primarily all that they could afford. "Irish Potato" now relates to any white potato with low starch content. Sadly the early Irish cuisine would be all but forgotten and lead to a great famine.

Irish food in the 21st century has been or is being revived. Irish dishes of stews made with lamb, mutton or goat, shepherds pie made up of meat and veggies topped with potato, potato pancakes, and soda bread are all part of modern day Irish food. Irish mythology and early Irish literature often has remarks of food and drink. Stories from the past often include banquets, meat cooked in cauldrons and on spits. Honey is a valued ingredient in Irish cooking of old.

Today I want to share with you one of my favorites foods that is Irish American inspired:

2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (such as Simply Potatoes)
3/4 pound ground sirloin
3/4 cup picante sauce
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup (2 ounces) preshredded reduced-fat extrasharp cheddar cheese
Preparation
Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions; keep warm.

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Stir in picante sauce, water, cumin, sugar, salt, and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Spoon mashed potatoes over meat mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

for other variations of Shepherds pie check here or here or here