Gorete's Cottage Pie (Empadão de Carne) Recipe
Ingredients
With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C or 350°F.
- Heat the oil in large frying pan and saute the onions until softened, then add the garlic and heat for 2 minutes.
- Raise the heat, add the ground beef and cook quickly to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Once browned, add the carrots, celery, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, worchestershire sauce, salt & pepper and cook several minutes.
- Stir in the flour, then add the stock and wine and heat until simmering and thickened.
- Transfer the meat to a large casserole dish and cook in the oven for about 1 hour.
- Check the consistency from time to time and add a little more stock or wine if required.
- The meat mixture should be quite thick but not dry.
- Taste and season with more salt and pepper if required.
- While meat is cooking, make the mashed potatoes.
- Cook the peeled potatoes in salted water for approximately 15 - 20 min or until tender.
- Drain well and mash with a potato masher until smooth.
- Add the butter and milk (if the mixture is too dry, add milk a little at a time).
- On top of the meat mixture, spread the peas on half of the casserole and the corn on the other half (or whichever vegetables you prefer).
- Pipe or spread the potatoes on top of the vegetables.
- Increase the oven heat to 205°C or 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until till golden brown.
- You can choose to finish it off under the broiler for a few minutes for a really crisp brown topping.
Recipe Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the veal with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground lamb as substitutes for veal in this recipe.
How can I store leftovers of Gorete's Cottage Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
What can I do if my meat mixture is too watery?
If the meat mixture is too watery, you can cook it over medium heat for a few more minutes to evaporate some of the liquid. You can also stir in a bit more flour to thicken it, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Douro Red - This wine's rich fruit flavors and moderate tannins complement the savory depth of the cottage pie.
General: Cabernet Sauvignon - Its bold structure and dark fruit notes enhance the hearty flavors of the ground meat and vegetables.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's crispness and slight bitterness balance the richness of the dish effectively.
General: Pale Ale - The hoppy notes and moderate bitterness of a pale ale create a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the cottage pie.
Other Beverages
Espresso: A strong espresso provides a robust finish that complements the savory nature of the dish beautifully.
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