If you’re a fan of shepherd’s pie, there’s a simple way you can make the classic dish taste even better. It’s all down to the mashed potato topping, according to HelloFresh’s Mimi Morley
On a chilly, wet autumn evening, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of warming, comforting food, and nothing beats a proper, traditional pie. A timeless favourite that never fails to please is shepherd’s pie and, if you’re fond of this dish, there’s a straightforward method to make it even more delicious.
While you’ve probably got your tried-and-tested recipe sorted by now, there’s always scope for enhancement, and some basic adjustments can elevate your cooking. If you’re passionate about your food, you’ll undoubtedly be eager to discover various tricks, and this effortless hack is definitely worth learning during the chillier season.
Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh, is renowned for sharing countless culinary hints with the brand boasting thousands of online followers, and she recently revealed some straightforward guidance. She’s someone who frequently provides useful suggestions, having previously demonstrated how to enhance sausage and mash flavours as well.
During a recent chat, she offered some exclusive advice, and it might just help you elevate your meals to new heights. According to her expertise, the key to triumph lies in your mash ingredients.
Mimi said: “Add cheese and chives to the mash for extra decadence!” Simply by incorporating two components, you could genuinely amplify the flavour.
If you weren’t aware, incorporating cheese into the mashed potato covering of a savoury pie, like shepherd’s pie, can enhance the taste. It helps introduce richness and either a sharp or creamy note, depending on which variety of cheese you choose.
Popular additions include cheddar, parmesan or flavoured cream cheese to craft a more intricate and tasty topping. It can truly work to boost the flavour of pies throughout the winter months.
Meanwhile, chives also work to add a different flavour profile. The herb can offer a mild, fresh oniony taste, which can really lead to making potatoes taste delicious.
It’s a straightforward way to elevate a classic dish to the next level, and also provides a brilliant alternative to garlic or other herbs. When combined together, the ingredients can make a significant difference to a shepherd’s pie.
Sometimes you just have to make minor adjustments to improve a dish. After all, it’s always enjoyable to experiment in the kitchen.
Previously, Mimi has also shared how to keep potatoes fresh too so, if you’re using them more during the autumn and winter, you may want to follow her essential advice.
When asked how to keep potatoes fresh, Mimi said: “Keep your spuds in a cool, dark, dry place versus the fridge. A cold fridge can turn the starch to sugar, affecting the potatoes’ taste and texture.
“Also avoid direct sunlight, as this causes potatoes to turn green and keep them separate from your onions, as onions can release gases that cause potatoes to spoil faster. Potatoes are best frozen once cooked, and tend to not freeze as well in their raw state.
“You can safely freeze chips, wedges, roasted, baked and even mashed. The same goes for sweet potatoes too. Raw potatoes have a high water content, meaning they can become mushy and lose their taste after defrosting.”
Adhering to these guidelines should ensure your spuds remain fresh for the longest time possible. It’s remarkable what knowledge you can pick up daily.