Spicy Shepherd’s Pie - with a squash and sweet potato mash

This dish really provides colour on your table, and can be perfect for Autumn or Winter Days, although for many it can be enjoyed anytime of the year! The spices add warmth and earthy flavour to a humble shepherd's pie especially using the Middle Eastern spice Baharat. Then top with delicious sweet potato and butternut squash. 

Ingredients:
Serves Six
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra to garnish
500g lamb mince
2 tsp Baharat spice
1 tbsp. tomato puree
400ml lamb stock, made with 1 stock cube
1 large courgette, trimmed, halved lengthways and sliced
2 x 300g packs pre-prepared butternut squash and sweet potato (or equivalent bought loose)

Method:
1. Heat the oil in the frying pan and add the onion, garlic, carrots and picked thyme leaves. Cook over a medium heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften. Add the mince to the pan, increase the heat and fry for 10 minutes, stirring all the time, until no longer pink. Stir in the Baharat spice and tomato puree and cook, stirring for a further 1 minute.
2. Stir in the stock and bring to the boil. Season to taste. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the courgette after 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, boil the butternut squash and sweet potato according to pack instructions. Drain well, then mash until smooth. Season to taste.

4. Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Spoon the lamb mixture into a 2-litre ovenproof dish. Spoon the mash over the top to cover completely. Season with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with the extra thyme leaves. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbling. 

Each Serving:

16.4g carbohydrate 3.0g fibre 20.8g protein 18.8g fat 

From an original idea here

For our vegetarian and vegan readers, I'm sure you could substitute some of the above ingredients to suit, or why not have a look at these recipe suggestions.

Mushroom Bourguignon with Celeriac Mash : see more here

Lentil Shepherd's Pie : see more here 

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas, are within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan