15 Best Cottage Pie Recipe South Africa They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
When it comes to traditional comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty and delicious cottage pie. Originating from the United Kingdom, this dish has become a favorite in many countries, including South Africa. Made with a savory meat filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, cottage pie is the ultimate comfort food for cooler weather. In this article, we will share with you the best cottage pie recipe in South Africa that will surely satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Canola Oil, Curry Leaves, Minced
First on our list is a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe from South Africa. Bunny chow is a popular street food in South Africa, and this version combines it with beer can chicken for a flavorful and delicious dish. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving it a bold and savory flavor. And instead of using a traditional beer can, this recipe calls for using a can of ginger beer for a slightly sweet and spicy kick.
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Bobotie – Savory ground meat custard from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Whole Milk, Large Eggs, White Bread
Another unique South African take on beer can chicken is Bobotie, a savory ground meat custard dish. This recipe calls for ground lamb or beef mixed with curry powder, raisins, and almonds, creating a flavorful and slightly sweet filling. The meat is then stuffed into the chicken cavity along with a can of light beer and roasted to perfection. The result is a delicious combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
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Shepherd's Pie (aka. Cottage Pie)
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Butter, Milk, Garlic Powder, Ground
A classic comfort food, Shepherd's Pie (also known as Cottage Pie) is a popular dish in many countries, including the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Shepherd's Pie with the added twist of beer can chicken. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme and then roasted on a can of dark beer. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Traditional Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Diced Onion, Diced Celery
If you're looking for a more traditional take on Cottage Pie, this recipe is for you. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar and then roasted on a can of light beer. The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the classic mashed potato topping. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Sea Salt, Unsalted Butter, Half And Half
For a simpler take on Cottage Pie, this recipe uses a can of lager as the base for the chicken. The chicken is seasoned with garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper and then roasted until tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and the leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
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Lamb stew from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Lamb Shoulder, Butter, Tomatoes, Red Chilies, Medium
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken and gives it a South African twist by turning it into a hearty lamb stew. The chicken is roasted on a can of dark beer and then combined with carrots, potatoes, and peas to create a flavorful and filling stew. The result is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a chilly evening.
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Classic British Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Chicken Mince, Chopped Garlic, Onions, Oil, Salt, Black
For a taste of Britain, try this classic Cottage Pie recipe. The chicken is seasoned with thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce and then roasted on a can of light beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes before being baked to perfection. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Irish Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Roast Beef, Onions, Carrots, Chopped
For a taste of Ireland, give this Irish Cottage Pie recipe a try. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs and then roasted on a can of stout beer. The result is a rich and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes before being baked until golden and crispy. This dish is a delicious twist on the classic Cottage Pie.
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Guinness Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted
If you're a fan of Guinness, then this recipe is for you. The chicken is seasoned with thyme, garlic, and onion and then roasted on a can of Guinness beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes mixed with Guinness before being baked until bubbly and delicious. This dish is a must-try for any beer lover.
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Classic Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Butter, Cream Cheese, Salt, Ground
This classic Shepherd's Pie recipe is a staple in many households, and for good reason. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce and then roasted on a can of light beer. The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden and crispy. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Vegan Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Vegan Ground Beef, Mushrooms
If you're looking for a plant-based version of Shepherd's Pie, this recipe is for you. The chicken is replaced with lentils and vegetables and seasoned with thyme, rosemary, and garlic. The filling is then topped with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is a healthier and equally delicious take on the classic Cottage Pie.
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Cottage Pie | Shepherd’s Pie
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Minced Garlic, All Purpose
For a simple and flavorful twist on Cottage Pie, try this recipe that combines both Cottage Pie and Shepherd's Pie. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs and then roasted on a can of light beer. The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Pumpkin Bredie (South Africa)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Lamb, Onions, Chili Pepper, Water, Pumpkin, Ground
This unique and flavorful dish from South Africa combines beer can chicken with pumpkin and spices to create a delicious Bredie. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and cinnamon and then roasted on a can of lager. The pumpkin and spices are then added to the chicken in the last few minutes of cooking, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for fall.
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The Best Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Leeks, Carrots, Beef Short Ribs, Tomato
This recipe lives up to its name as the best Cottage Pie you'll ever try. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion, and Worcestershire sauce and then roasted on a can of dark beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Gran's Cottage Pie
Main Ingredients: Beef Mince, Onion, Carrot, Celery Sticks, Red Pepper
Finally, we have a classic Cottage Pie recipe that has been passed down through generations. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs and then roasted on a can of light beer. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that is then topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is a perfect way to honor family traditions and create new memories.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 kg ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 cup of frozen peas
1 cup of beef stock
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
1.5 kg potatoes
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened.
Add the carrot and celery and cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour in the beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine.
Add the frozen peas and dried herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the filling simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, until the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Peel and chop the potatoes into cubes and boil in a pot of salted water until tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the milk and butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Transfer the filling into a greased ovenproof dish and spread it evenly.
Top the filling with the mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly with a fork.
Sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the potatoes (optional).
Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cottage pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or salad.
Enjoy your homemade cottage pie with your loved ones!
Final Thoughts
This best cottage pie recipe in South Africa is not only delicious and comforting, but it is also easy to make and budget-friendly. Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste and add your own personal touch. Serve it for a cozy family dinner or impress your guests with this classic dish. Give it a try and we guarantee that it will become a staple in your household.