Winter has truly arrived in the Cape. Over the weekend I was struck by a strong craving for hearty comfort food. One of my favourite winter meals is cottage pie. Below is my healthy version. It's nothing fancy, but tasted good and was a hit with the family. There is no better way to celebrate the welcome rain, catch up with loved ones and warm the soul, than gathering around a big bowl of deliciousness.
(Picture: Pinterest)
Ingredients:
Filling:2 tbpn olive oil, divided
500g extra lean mince
3 medium sized carrots, grated
3 celery stalks, diced
2 tspn crushed garlic
1 onion, diced
1 tsp tomato paste
1tbspn worcester sauce
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tspn dried oregano
1 sachet woolies beef stock
1/2 cup of boiling water
Salt & pepper to taste
Topping:
3 medium sized orange sweet potatoes, peeled and diced.
1/3 cup of grated cheese
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
1. Brown the mince in the olive oil over medium heat. Set aside once done.2. Slowly cook the onions, carrots and celery over medium heat for about 7 minutes until the onions are transparent and soft.
3. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute before adding the browned mince to the pot.
4. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and allow to simmer over a low heat until the sauce has reduced and become thick and glossy.
5. For the topping, boil the sweet potatoes for about 15-20min until they are tender. Drain the excess water. Mash the sweet potatoes.
6. Transfer the filling into an oven-proof dish and spoon over the mashed sweet potato. Sprinkle over the grated cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 min at 180 degrees.
Serve with some steamed broccoli or a fresh, crisp salad.
Bon Apetite!
Until next time,
XX-L
