Hello, whisky lovers and foodies alike. It's that wonderful time of year again – World Whisky Day! A day dedicated to celebrating the water of life in all its golden glory. And what better way to honour this revered spirit than by pairing it with one of Scotland's most iconic dishes – haggis!
Why Haggis and Whisky Sauce?
Haggis, with its hearty blend of spices and savoury goodness, is a dish that screams comfort and tradition. But when you add a luscious whisky sauce into the mix, you take it to a whole new level of indulgence. The warm, caramel notes of whisky perfectly complement the earthy flavours of haggis, creating a symphony of taste sensations that will leave you craving more.
Whisky Infused Haggis Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Take your celebration to the next level with a whisky-infused haggis shepherd's pie. The subtle smokiness of the whisky enhances the flavours of the haggis and gravy, creating a dish that's comforting, hearty, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients:
For the whisky-infused haggis:
1/4 cup Scotch whisky
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
For the mashed potato topping:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste
For assembling the Shepherd's Pie:
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 180°C
Prepare the whisky-infused haggis:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Crumble the haggis into the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the haggis is heated through.
Pour the Scotch whisky over the haggis and allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavours to meld. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the mashed potato topping:
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk or cream, then mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:
Transfer the whisky-infused haggis to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the haggis layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
If desired, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your whisky-infused haggis Shepherd's Pie with a side of seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad.
This whisky-infused twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie is sure to impress your guests and add a deliciously Scottish flair to your dinner table. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavours of haggis combined with the warmth and depth of Scotch whisky in every bite!
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