How do you make a shepherds pie taste even better? Bang some sweet potato on top that’s how. This cosy family meal is incredibly easy to make, and packed with a hearty bean and mushroom filling, keeping you satisfied as well as providing tonnes of nutrients.
The filling consists of a “meaty” mixture of beans, mushrooms, caramelized onion, and warming spices. Smoked paprika gives the pie depth of flavour, and a hint of chilli adds a perfect warmth.
After being cooked, the sweet potato is mashed with plant milk, and a little seasoning making it exra creamy. This contrasts beautifully against the filling, giving you a whole load of textures and flavours in one pot…perfect for those chilly nights !
This dish is also a great one for busy families, and meal prep. It’s freezer friendly, and one batch makes around 6 portions, so it’s a fab one to split into pieces and pop in the fridge/freezer for the rest of the week.
The pie is fab on it’s own, but I love serving with some greens(here I used broccoli). Kale, peas and green beans are also delicious options, but whatever you love will work fab! So, if your in need of a quick, hearty meal, this is the one for you!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3-4 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- Splash vegan milk
- Olive oil
- 1 tin(230g)black beans
- 1 tin(230g) kidney beans
- 1 can tinned tomatoes
- 150g mushrooms
- 4 sliced spring onions
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Handful fresh coriander
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and pepper
METHOD:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
- Boil or steam the sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes until soft. Leave to one side.
- Fry the onions, garlic and a pinch of salt, in oil for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add the paprika and slices of spring onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes, before adding the mushrooms and mixing well.
- Add the beans, coating them in the mixture, and cook for a further 5 minutes. Then add the tomatoes, maple syrup, lime juice, pepper and coriander, mixing everything well.
- Mash the sweet potato cubes with the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spoon the bean mixture into a oven-proof dish, and top with the sweet potato mash.
- Place in the oven bake for 30 minutes, or until it starts to crisp up slightly.
- Serve with greens, and enjoy.
