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:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.
2. Boil or steam the sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes until soft. Leave to one side.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Mash the sweet potato cubes with the milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Spoon the bean mixture into a oven-proof dish, and top with the sweet potato mash.
7. Place in the oven bake for 30 minutes, or until it starts to crisp up slightly.
8. Serve with greens, and enjoy.