Cumberland Pie
Cuisine: British Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Potatoes
500 grams (500)
Beef
500 grams (500)
Onion
1 large (150)
Carrots
2 medium (200)
Peas
150 grams (150)
Beef Stock
400 milliliters (400)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (28)
Butter
50 grams (50)
Milk
100 milliliters (100)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
74 oz
(2,088 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Onion
40
Carrot
30
Peas
70
Flour
110
Butter
100
Milk
70
Potatoes
150
Cheddar Cheese
110
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Nutmeg
10
Vegetable Oil
120
Beef Stock
20
Totals
1,080 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
Step 3: Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Next, add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Step 5: Once the beef is cooked, add Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, and beef stock to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
Step 7: Meanwhile, peel and dice the carrots into small cubes. Add them to a separate saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the carrots are tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 8: In another saucepan, cook the potatoes in salted boiling water until they are soft and easily mashed. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.
Step 9: Add butter and milk to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Once the beef mixture has thickened, add the cooked carrots and frozen peas. Stir well to combine.
Step 11: Transfer the beef mixture into a deep ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 12: Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, starting from the edges and working your way to the center. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface if desired.
Step 13: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Step 14: Once cooked, remove the Cumberland Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 15: Serve the Cumberland Pie hot, accompanied by a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade Cumberland Pie, a classic British comfort food dish!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Cumberland Pie in British Cuisine:
1. Ground Beef:
- Substitute with ground turkey or chicken in equal quantities.
- Adjust cooking time as poultry may cook faster than beef.
2. Onion:
- Substitute with shallots or leeks in equal quantities.
- Adjust cooking time as shallots or leeks may cook faster than onions.
3. Carrots:
- Substitute with parsnips or turnips in equal quantities.
- Adjust cooking time as parsnips or turnips may cook faster than carrots.
4. Worcestershire Sauce:
- Substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce in equal quantities.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as soy sauce may have a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Tomato Paste:
- Substitute with ketchup or tomato sauce in equal quantities.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as ketchup or tomato sauce may have a slightly different flavor profile.
6. Beef Stock:
- Substitute with vegetable stock or chicken stock in equal quantities.
- Adjust seasoning to taste as vegetable or chicken stock may have a slightly different flavor profile.
7. Potatoes:
- Substitute with sweet potatoes or cauliflower in equal quantities.
- Adjust cooking time as sweet potatoes or cauliflower may cook faster than potatoes.
8. Butter:
- Substitute with margarine or olive oil in equal quantities.
- Adjust cooking time as margarine or olive oil may have a different melting point than butter.
Note: The suggested substitutions aim to provide alternatives for the ingredients in Cumberland Pie. However, the taste and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe. Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Pairings
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Creamed spinach
- Mashed potatoes
- Garden salad
- Pickled onions
- Caramelized carrots
- Grilled asparagus
- Braised red cabbage
- Yorkshire pudding
- Red wine gravy
- Tomato chutney
- Horseradish sauce
- Apple and cranberry compote
- English mustard
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the Cumberland Pie with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Use a piping bag to create decorative mashed potato swirls on top of the pie.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between the meat and mashed potato layers for added depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a small amount of finely chopped bacon or pancetta into the meat mixture to enhance the savory taste.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace ground beef with a combination of ground beef and ground lamb for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture to enhance the complexity of flavors.
- Include a handful of diced cooked ham or smoked bacon in the filling for a touch of indulgence.
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of high-fat ground beef to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower glycemic index and fewer carbohydrates.
- Opt for low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to reduce sodium intake.
- Include a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Substitute regular dairy products with low-fat or plant-based alternatives, such as skim milk or almond milk, and reduced-fat cheese.
- Limit the amount of butter or oil used in the recipe by using cooking spray or non-stick pans.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt or seasoning mixes.
- For vegetarian or vegan options, replace meat with plant-based protein sources like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Adjust portion sizes according to individual calorie needs to support weight management goals.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of fatty meats like beef or lamb.
- Increase the amount of vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions in the filling.
- Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
- Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of full-fat milk in the mashed potatoes.
- Swap heavy cream or butter with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream in the mashed potatoes.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe or opt for a reduced-fat version.
- Choose whole wheat breadcrumbs or oats instead of white breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-made mashed potatoes or instant mashed potato flakes instead of making them from scratch to save time.
2. Substitute minced beef with cheaper ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork for a more economical option.
3. Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and preparation.
4. Opt for store-bought beef stock or bouillon cubes instead of making homemade stock to save time and money.
5. Consider using leftover cooked meat, such as roast beef or chicken, instead of cooking meat specifically for the Cumberland Pie.
6. Use store-bought puff pastry sheets instead of making pastry dough from scratch for a quicker and easier crust.
7. Experiment with different types of cheese that are more affordable but still provide a good flavor profile.
8. Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for future meals to save time and money in the long run.
9. Consider using canned or jarred ingredients, such as canned tomatoes or jarred gravy, to reduce preparation time.
10. Explore alternative herbs and spices that are more budget-friendly while still adding depth of flavor to the dish.