When was shepherds pie invented?

It's impossible to pinpoint an exact date for the invention of Shepherd's Pie. Here's why:

* Evolutionary Dish: Shepherd's Pie likely evolved over time, with various cultures contributing to its development. It's a dish with roots in both English and French cuisine.

* Early Forms: Similar dishes existed before the name "Shepherd's Pie" was established. For example, "Cottage Pie," a predecessor to Shepherd's Pie, was already popular in the 18th century.

* No Definitive Record: There's no single cookbook or historical document definitively attributing the creation of the dish to a specific person or time period.

Key Historical Points:

* 18th Century: "Cottage Pie" emerges, featuring a meat and vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes.

* 19th Century: The term "Shepherd's Pie" appears, perhaps reflecting the use of cheaper cuts of meat that were more common in the diets of shepherds.

Conclusion:

Instead of a specific invention date, consider Shepherd's Pie as a culinary tradition that developed gradually, drawing inspiration from various influences and evolving over centuries.