What's the difference between . . .?

Question

Shepherds Pie and Cottage Pie! Everyone I ask seem to know what's in the ruddy things but can't distinguish which is which. I really would like to know. At my local diner they have cottage pie on the menu say on a monday then on tuesday they have shepherds pie. I've ordered both and I swear they are the same. The only thing that is different is the price; the shepherds is 5p more than the cottage!

Answer 1

Wikipedia-

Cottage Pie:

Cottage pie, is a traditional English dish made with minced meat covered with mashed potato and often topped with cheese. The dish is traditionally made with lamb meat; when this is the case the dish is known as shepherd's pie, though the term shepherd's pie is often (erroneously) used to mean a variety made with any kind of meat.

The meat used in the dish is traditionally beef or lamb though turkey is also often used today.

Traditionally, the meat is prepared by dicing or mincing, and frying with chopped onions, seasoning, and dripping (from the roast) or stock. Other ingredients can include garlic, chopped carrots, peas or other vegetables, mushrooms, herbs (such as rosemary and oregano), tomato purée, and wine. A quick version can be made using canned oxtail soup.

The meat is laid in a deep pie dish and covered with mashed potato, to which milk, butter or dripping may be added. For a decorative effect, the mashed potato can be piped onto the meat layer. The pie is then baked in the oven, making the top surface golden and crisp. Grated cheese can be sprinkled on top prior to baking.

Answer 2

Shepherd's Pie - made with minced lamb. You know - shepherds >sheep > lambs... and as they're smaller than cows there's not so much of them, hence a bit dearer - then

Cottage Pie - made with minced beef. Cow-men tend to live in farm cottages....

Answer 3

Cottage pie is minced beef

shepherds pie is minced lamb