Indian-Inspired Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 50 g butter (for the mash)
• 50 ml milk (for the mash)
• 100 g cheddar cheese (grated, divided)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 500 g lamb mince
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• salt (to taste)
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• fresh coriander (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

2. 2

   While potatoes cook, heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the lamb mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. 3

   Add the finely chopped onions to the lamb and sauté until the onions are translucent and soft.

4. 4

   Stir in the garlic paste and ginger paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the meat in the spices.

6. 6

   Add a splash of water if the mixture is too dry, then stir in the frozen peas. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Stir in the garam masala at the end.

7. 7

   Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese.

8. 8

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

9. 9

   Transfer the spicy lamb mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

10. 10

    Spread the cheesy mashed potatoes over the top of the lamb. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface, which will become crispy in the oven.

11. 11

    Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.

12. 12

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potato topping is golden brown and crispy.

13. 13

    Garnish with fresh chopped coriander before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add finely chopped fresh green chilies to the lamb mixture along with the onions. You can substitute lamb with beef mince for a Cottage Pie version.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• lamb
• casserole
• spicy
• fusion
• baked
• dinner