Healthier Shepherd’s pie

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 85 mins
Healthier Shepherd’s pie
Savoury makeover on Shepherds pie with this healthier spin off.
 

1 tbsp rapeseed oil

1 onion, chopped

3-4 thyme sprigs

2 carrots, diced

250g lean minced lamb

1 tbsp plain flour

1 vegetable cube added to 350ml boiling water

227g tinned chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato purée

400g tinned green lentils with no added salt, drained

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the topping

650g potatoes, roughly chopped

250g sweet potatoes, roughly chopped

2 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche

1 tbsp semi-skimmed milk

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Tip in the onion and thyme sprigs and fry for 2-3 minutes.

Add the carrots and fry for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to brown.

Stir in the mince and break it down. Fry for 1-2 minutes until no longer pink.

Stir in the flour, scraping the bottom of the pan, then cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the stock and stir until thickened.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato purée, lentils and Worcestershire sauce and season with pepper.

Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Drop all the potatoes into a large pan of salted boiling water.

Bring back to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Drain well in a colander then tip back into the pan. Mash until smooth.

Beat in the crème fraîche and milk with a wooden spoon until light and fluffy.

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas mark 6.

Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and set aside.

Spoon the meat into a 1.5 litre pie dish and remove the thyme sprigs.

Top with the mash and smooth over with a knife.

Use a fork to create a ridged pattern on top.

Place the dish on the prepared baking tray and bake for about 20-25 minutes until piping hot and the filling starts to bubble around the edges. 

Serves
4

Preparation Time
25 minutes

Cooking Time
85 minutes

Main ingredients
Dairy, Vegetables, Lamb, Lentils

Recipe Type
Family Dinners, Healthy, Kids Food

Level of Difficulty
Easy

Other recipes you may like