This Indian shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping is inspired by our love of Indian spices, and makes a great family supper.
This is quite different from our traditional shepherd's pie, not only because it's topped with sweet potato but also because the meaty sauce is spiced up to make it much more exciting. The combination of chillies, curry powder and garam masala is lovely against the sweetness of the potatoes. We like to use a hot curry powder but that does give quite a kick to the pie, so we've left it up to you in the ingredients - go medium or mild if you prefer.
Ingredients
- 1tbsp olive oil
- 500g lean lamb mince
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 long green chillies, deseeded and finely choppped
- 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt
- 500ml water
For the topping:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- Knob of butter
- 1 tsp spiced salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Coriander leaves, to garnish
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Make the filling. Add a little olive oil to a large frying pan and brown the mince for around 5 mins. Drain and set aside.
- Wipe the pan clean and add a little oil. Gently cook the onion, garlic, ginger and chillies until very soft, approx. 10 mins. Add the spices and salt and cook for a further 1 min.
- Return the mince to the pan and stir through. Add the tomatoes and stir through. Add a 400ml water, bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for approx. 45 mins until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
- For the topping. Cook the sweet potato chunks in boiling water for around 10 mins, until very tender. Drain and return to the pan with a knob of butter, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth.
- Spread the cooked filling out in a shallow baking dish, then spread the sweet potato mash over the top. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 and bake the shepherd’s pie for around 20 mins, until piping hot and the topping has become dry and slightly crusty. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with wilted spinach.
Top tip for making Indian shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping
The spicy mince mixture can also be used to fill samosas, made with parcels of filo pastry.
How can I make the Indian shepherd's pie healthier?
Try using turkey mince for a healthier, lower-fat option or Quorn mince for a vegetarian option. This dish is perfect for the whole family and well worth the wait.
How do I stop the sweet potato mash sinking into the meat?
Make sure you allow the meat to cool before adding the topping, so that you get the best consistency to your pie.
You might also like...
Octavia Lillywhite is an award-winning food and lifestyle journalist with over 15 years of experience. With a passion for creating beautiful, tasty family meals that don’t use hundreds of ingredients or anything you have to source from obscure websites, she’s a champion of local and seasonal foods, using up leftovers and composting, which, she maintains, is probably the most important thing we all can do to protect the environment.
-
Curry paste
Homemade curry paste can be the difference between a good curry and a great one. Learn how to make your own here - it's much easier than you might think.
By Nichola Palmer Last updated
-
Red onion bhajis
These red onion bhajis are a great addition to an Indian feast. They mix red onion with courgette which give them a delicious moist texture and lovely taste.
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Beetroot raita
Vibrant beetroot raita is a delicious dish that's ready in 5 minutes and makes a classic Indian dip for onion bhajis or samosas
By Octavia Lillywhite Published
-
Stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot
Our stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot is infused with lots of Middle Eastern flavours and it only takes 30 minutes of prep
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney
This stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney is best made the night before so it can marinate and intensify in flavour.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Easter coconut and lemon cake
This Easter coconut and lemon cake serves 12 and leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry’s ‘favourite’ childhood meals are surprisingly ‘normal’ and easy to recreate for family dinners
The brother's enjoyed "traditional, English food"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton has reportedly ‘FaceTimed’ her kids everyday while in hospital as Prince William holds down the fort at home
The Princess of Wales is recovering from surgery in The London Clinic
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Why George, Charlotte and Louis won’t be joining the rest of the family for Christmas dinner
He'll be sat at a different table from King Charles and senior Royals...
By Adam England Published