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Individual shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping

Individual shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping

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This traditional dish has been given a twist with the sweet potato topping - not just a fantastic colour but a great taste too.

Cooking time: 1 hr 10 mins
Skill level: Easy peasy
Costs: Cheap as chips

Ingredients

Don't over-boil sweet potatoes as they can become very wet when mashed. You can add a number of vegetables to Shepherd's pie, such as swede, turnip or parsnip. The topping can also be made with half potatoes and half sweet potato - add a pinch of nutmeg for added interest.

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450g (1lb) lean lamb mince
1tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
3 baby leeks, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1tbsp flour
275ml (9floz) lamb stock
1tbsp tomato puree
1tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the topping:

900g (2lb) sweet potatoes
50g (2oz) butter
50g (2oz) mature cheddar

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion until soft but not coloured. Add the mince, leeks and carrots and cook until the meat is nicely browned. Season the meat and add the thyme and parsley.
Stir in the flour and gradually add the stock to the mince. Stir in the tomato puree. Cover and reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 mins, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks. Place in a pan of boiling water and cook for 10-12 mins or until tender. Drain and return to the pan, but away from the heat. Add the butter and mash until smooth. Season.
When the mince is cooked, check the seasoning and spoon into four individual oven-proof dishes. Spread the mashed sweet potato over the meat and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 15 mins at 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6) or until the top is beginning to colour brown and piping hot.

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