Pairing Shepherd’s Pie: 5 Delicious Side Dishes, Best Wines, Top 3 Condiments, Ideal Vegetables, Unconventional Flavor Combinations, Simple Salad Recipes

Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and satisfying to eat. But what do you serve with it? The perfect side dish can take your Shepherd’s Pie to the next level, leaving you with a well-rounded meal. In this article, we will dive into five delicious side dishes, best wines, top 3 condiments, ideal veggies, unconventional flavor combinations, and simple salad recipes that pair perfectly with Shepherd’s Pie.

5 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

Side Dish 1: Creamed Spinach

This creamy and flavorful side dish is the perfect match for Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
– 2 bags of fresh spinach
– 2 tbsp of butter
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Wash spinach and remove stems.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
5. Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for a few more minutes.

The creamed spinach goes well with Shepherd’s Pie due to its rich and creamy texture, adding a subtle depth to the dish.

Side Dish 2: Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are a simple, healthy, and tasty side dish that goes perfectly with Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick coins
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
3. Spread the coated carrots onto a baking sheet.
4. Roast in preheated oven until they are tender and browned, for approximately 25-30 minutes.

The roasted carrots are sweet and savory and can bring a refreshing balance to the rich and hearty Shepherd’s Pie.

Side Dish 3: Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a simple side dish with bold flavors that pair perfectly with Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of asparagus
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends.
3. In a large bowl, mix the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
4. Grill the asparagus, turning occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender, for approximately 5-7 minutes.

The grilled asparagus adds a slight crunch and smoky flavor, providing a good contrast with the creamy and meaty Shepherd’s Pie.

Side Dish 4: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic and tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender, for approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add milk to the saucepan and heat until hot.
5. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl.
6. Mash the potatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the hot milk mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir until well-combined.

Garlic mashed potatoes are buttery, creamy, and garlicky, creating a perfect contrast with the savory meat filling of the Shepherd’s Pie.

Side Dish 5: Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted brussel sprouts are a crispy and flavorful side dish that goes well with Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
– 1 pound brussel sprouts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Wash the brussel sprouts and trim the ends.
3. In a large bowl, mix the brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
4. Spread the coated brussel sprouts onto a baking sheet.
5. Roast in preheated oven until they are crispy and browned, for approximately 20-25 minutes.

The roasted brussel sprouts are slightly bitter and nutty, adding a pleasant texture and complexity to the Shepherd’s Pie.

Pairing Made Simple: Best Wines to Complement Your Shepherd’s Pie

Wine is a perfect accompaniment to a hearty and savory Shepherd’s Pie. Here are five wine suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Wine Pairing 1: Merlot

This medium-bodied red wine with fruity and spicy notes is an excellent pairing with Shepherd’s Pie. The soft tannins and smooth finish complement the meatiness of the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.

Wine Pairing 2: Pinot Noir

This light to medium-bodied red wine with red fruit and earthy notes has a good balance of acidity and tannins, making it an ideal pairing for the rich and savory Shepherd’s Pie.

Wine Pairing 3: Cabernet Sauvignon

This full-bodied red wine with black fruit and tobacco notes has bold and tannic characteristics that can stand up to the robustness of the Shepherd’s Pie. The flavors complement each other, creating a perfect harmony.

Wine Pairing 4: Chardonnay

This medium to full-bodied white wine with buttery and oaky notes can complement the creaminess of the Shepherd’s Pie, creating a delectable combination.

Wine Pairing 5: Sauvignon Blanc

This light-bodied white wine with herbal and citrus notes has a refreshing acidity that can balance the richness and heaviness of the Shepherd’s Pie.

Spice Up Your Shepherd’s Pie with These Top 3 Condiments

Condiments are a versatile and easy way to add flavor to your Shepherd’s Pie and customize it to your liking. Here are three condiments that you can try:

Condiment 1: Worcestershire Sauce

This tangy and savory sauce can add complexity and richness to your Shepherd’s Pie. A few dashes are enough to elevate the flavors.

Condiment 2: Dijon Mustard

This spicy and tangy mustard can add a kick to your Shepherd’s Pie. It brings a subtle heat that complements the savory meat filling.

Condiment 3: Hot Sauce

This fiery and flavorful sauce can turn up the heat on your Shepherd’s Pie. It adds a layer of spiciness that can enhance the flavors of the dish.

Veggies Galore: A Guide to Ideal Vegetables to Serve with Your Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced meal, and they can add color, texture, and nutrition to your Shepherd’s Pie. Here are three vegetable suggestions to try:

Veggie 1: Green Beans

These crunchy and fresh green beans can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty Shepherd’s Pie. They are easy to prepare and can complement the flavors of the dish.

Veggie 2: Corn on the Cob

This sweet and juicy corn can add a pop of color and sweetness to your Shepherd’s Pie. It can balance out the savory meat filling and bring a summery vibe to your meal.

Veggie 3: Steamed Broccoli

This nutritious and flavorful broccoli can provide a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins to your Shepherd’s Pie. It has a slightly bitter and earthy taste that can create a perfect contrast to the meaty filling.

Going Beyond Classic: Unconventional Flavor Combinations to Enjoy with Shepherd’s Pie

If you want to experiment with flavors and create unique combinations, here are three unconventional ideas to try:

Flavor Combination 1: Cheddar Cheese and Bacon

This rich and indulgent flavor combination can add a smoky and cheesy twist to your Shepherd’s Pie. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon on top of the dish before baking it.