What to do with ground lamb? Meatballs…maybe. Burgers…another maybe. In the end I came across this pie recipe on Pinterest…not a surprise. It was fantastic! You will never make a traditional shepherds pie after you try this one.
Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie With Sweet Potato (Our Four Forks)
Prep time 30 mins Cook time 40 mins Total time 1 hour 10 mins Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 lb. grass-fed ground lamb or beef (omit for vegan)
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 15 oz. cans drained) (optional for meat version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes (about ¾ 28 oz. can, drained)
- ½ cup stock (vegetable, chicken or beef) + salt to taste
- ½ cup currants or raisins
- ½ bunch cilantro, stems removed, chopped
For the mash:
- 1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (use white if you don’t have any sweet potatoes) OR…use the instant Idaho brand potatoes and just add the spices…
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (more if needed)
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Remove meat from skillet and set aside.
- Add olive oil to the pan along with the onions, garlic, ginger, spices and salt and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Return the meat to the pan (if using) along with the honey, tomatoes and stock.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes more.
- Add chickpeas (if using), currants, and chopped cilantro, stir and remove from heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the mash:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Drain well and add the olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt and milk.
- With a hand blender (or potato masher), blend until they reach a creamy consistency.
Assembly:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fill a 13 in x 9 in casserole dish with the filling and spread the mash on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes until the topping is beginning to brown.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, if desired.