Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWith the chill of autumn in the air, there’s nothing quite like a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. Enter Kerry Pie—a delightful twist on the traditional Irish shepherd’s pie that has become my go-to comfort food. This heartwarming recipe combines tender, slow-cooked lamb with savory broth, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust. What’s even better? This comforting delight is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch up ingredients based on your taste or what’s in your pantry. Plus, it’s a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings, effortlessly impressing your guests with its rich flavors and inviting aromas. Are you ready to create this hearty meal that brings the taste of Ireland right to your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is Kerry Pie a Must-Try? Comforting, Cozy Flavor: Each bite of this Kerry Pie is like a warm hug, featuring tender lamb simmered to perfection and infused with herbs. Hearty and Filling: With a generous filling that satisfies even the biggest appetites, it’s ideal for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Easy Adaptation: Prefer beef over lamb? No problem! This adaptable recipe welcomes your personal touch, just like Zucchini Onion Pie, which lets you explore different flavors effortlessly. Quick to Prepare: While the dish looks gourmet, it comes together with simple steps, allowing you to impress without stress. Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, Kerry Pie is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, much like our delightful Air Fryer Hand Pies. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with meat and vegetables, this hearty pie provides a balanced meal that nourishes your body and soul. Kerry Pie Ingredients • Get ready to create an unforgettable dish! Lamb or Mutton – Your primary protein source; choose quality cuts for ultimate tenderness. Aromatics (Onion, Carrot) – These elevate the filling with warmth and sweetness; consider using leeks for a gentler flavor. Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley) – Freshness is key; dried herbs work in a pinch if fresh ones aren’t available. Savory Broth/Stock – Keeps the filling juicy and rich; homemade is fabulous, but good store-bought broth will do! Pastry Dough – The star of your crust; aim for a buttery, flaky texture, or grab pre-made pastry to save time. Egg Wash (for crust) – Provides that beautiful golden finish; a simple beaten egg works wonders! Embrace the comfort of Kerry Pie, a classic that beautifully showcases traditional Irish cuisine while being adaptable to your taste! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Kerry Pie Step 1: Prepare the Filling In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions and carrots in a drizzle of olive oil for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until softened. Add the cubed lamb or mutton, browning it on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, parsley, and savory broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and infused with flavor. Step 2: Make the Pastry While the filling is simmering, roll out your pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure a flaky texture. Cut the dough slightly larger than your pie dish for proper coverage. Transfer the rolled pastry into the dish, pressing gently into the edges, ensuring it’s well-fitted to hold all that delicious Kerry Pie filling. Step 3: Fill the Pie Once the lamb filling is tender, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared pastry crust, spreading it out to ensure every slice of Kerry Pie gets an equal share of that rich filling. Be careful not to overfill, leaving a little room at the top for a beautiful sealing later on. Step 4: Seal and Bake Cover the filled pie with a second layer of pastry, crimping the edges to create a secure seal. Cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust. Brush the surface generously with beaten egg to achieve that lovely golden finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown. Step 5: Serve Hot Once baked, allow your Kerry Pie to cool for about 10 minutes to set the filling. Use a sharp knife to slice through the crispy crust, revealing the luscious interior. Serve warm, perhaps with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad on the side to balance the hearty flavors of this comforting dish. Kerry Pie Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Kerry Pie by swapping in different ingredients or adding your favorite touches! Beef Substitute: Swap lamb for beef for a heartier flavor; use ground beef for a quicker option. Chicken Option: For a lighter twist, replace lamb with shredded chicken, seasoned similarly for a delightful change. Vegetable Medley: Add peas, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition and texture, making it a veggie-packed delight. Dairy-Free Crust: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter for the pastry to create a deliciously flaky, dairy-free option. Heat It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spice kick that dances on your palate. Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or basil for a unique flavor profile that elevates each bite. Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle grated cheese like cheddar on top of the filling before sealing for a gooey surprise when served. Much like the diverse flavors found in Zucchini Onion Pie, you can easily customize your Kerry Pie. Each variation offers a new way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun get-together, let your creativity shine in the kitchen! Make Ahead Options These Kerry Pie preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply sauté the vegetables and lamb, then allow it to cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the Kerry Pie and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To maintain that delightful flaky crust, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, yielding a delicious, homemade meal with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Kerry Pie Seasoning is Key: Taste your filling during cooking. Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of the tender lamb and ensures a delicious end result. Quality Broth Matters: Use a homemade broth for its depth of flavor. If using store-bought, select a high-quality option to maximize the richness of the filling. Avoid Soggy Crust: Always cut steam vents in the top crust to allow moisture to escape. This step helps prevent a soggy texture in your Kerry Pie. Golden Perfection: Never skip the egg wash; it gives your pie that irresistible golden color and glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. Let it Rest: After baking, allow your Kerry Pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes for easier servings. What to Serve with Kerry Pie Imagine the comforting aroma of Kerry Pie wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table for a wholesome meal. Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the rich filling of the pie, soaking up those delicious juices. Garlic Green Beans: The crunch and freshness of garlic sautéed green beans provide a vibrant contrast to the pie’s savory depth, brightening up each bite. Crisp Garden Salad: A mixed salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of Kerry Pie, offering a refreshing palate cleanser. Colcannon: This traditional Irish dish, made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage, adds a rustic element that complements the pie’s flavors wonderfully. Golden, Flaky Biscuit: Adding these buttery biscuits opens up options for sopping up the pie’s savory filling while providing a delightful texture to the meal. Creamy Gravy: An extra drizzle of rich gravy over your pie enhances every bite with additional flavor, making it even more comforting. Dry Irish Stout: A glass of smooth, dry stout brings out the deep flavors of the lamb while adding a bit of earthiness to the overall meal experience. Homemade Apple Crisp: Finish off your dinner with a warm apple crisp, whose sweet, crumbly topping makes a delightful contrast to the savory pie. With these complementary dishes, your Kerry Pie will shine as the centerpiece of a memorable meal, inviting everyone to enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking. How to Store and Freeze Kerry Pie Fridge: Store leftover Kerry Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze any leftover Kerry Pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to avoid over-browning. Enjoy the comforting flavors just as you remembered! Kerry Pie Recipe FAQs What type of lamb or mutton should I use for Kerry Pie? Absolutely! When selecting your lamb or mutton, look for quality cuts with a good amount of marbling, as this will yield a tender and juicy filling. Cuts like shoulder or leg are ideal, providing flavorful meat that holds up beautifully during cooking. Trust me, using fresh, quality ingredients makes a significant difference in taste! How do I store leftover Kerry Pie? For storing leftover Kerry Pie, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the pie cool completely before sealing it, as this helps maintain its texture and taste. Enjoy it as is or reheat for a cozy meal later! Can I freeze Kerry Pie, and if so, how? Yes, you can freeze Kerry Pie! Just follow these steps: allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning. What could cause my Kerry Pie crust to be soggy? The key to avoiding a soggy crust is ensuring proper steam ventilation. Always cut several slits in the top crust before baking to let moisture escape. Additionally, use a good-quality broth and avoid overfilling the pie. If your filling is too wet, consider simmering it longer on the stove to thicken before placing it in the pastry. Is Kerry Pie suitable for specific dietary needs? While Kerry Pie features lamb, you can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate different dietary preferences or allergies. Replace the lamb with beef, chicken, or even a hearty plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you’re concerned about allergies, check labels on store-bought ingredients, like pastry dough or broth, for potential allergens. This flexibility makes Kerry Pie a welcoming dish for everyone at the table! How can I enhance the flavors in my Kerry Pie? To bring out even more flavor in your Kerry Pie, I recommend taking a few extra steps: sauté the aromatics until they’re deeply golden before adding the meat, and consider adding a splash of red wine or a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce to the filling for extra depth. The herbs you choose can also impact the flavor, so don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh vs. dried herbs or even adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a twist. Happy cooking! Kerry Pie: Comforting Irish Delight for Cozy Nights No ratings yet Kerry Pie is a delightful twist on traditional Irish shepherd's pie, combining tender lamb with savory broth in a flaky pastry crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 6 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Filling Ingredients1 lb Lamb or Mutton1 cup Onion, diced1 cup Carrot, diced2 tbsp Fresh Thyme2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary2 tbsp Fresh Parsley2 cups Savory Broth/StockCrust Ingredients1 package Pastry Dough store-bought or homemade1 large Egg for egg wash Equipment large potRolling PinPie dish Method Filling PreparationIn a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions and carrots in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add cubed lamb or mutton, browning it on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Stir in thyme, rosemary, parsley, and savory broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for approximately 1 hour or until meat is tender.Pastry PreparationWhile filling simmers, roll out pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough slightly larger than pie dish and transfer into the dish, pressing gently into the edges.Filling the PieOnce filling is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared pastry crust, leaving a little room at the top.Sealing and BakingCover filled pie with a second layer of pastry, crimping edges to seal. Cut several slits in top for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.ServingAllow pie to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Nutrition Serving: 1slicesCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesEmbrace the comfort of Kerry Pie, which is easily adaptable to your taste preferences and ingredient availability. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
