Almost Shepherd’s Pie

Adding different vegetables into the meat component of the meal is a good way of getting kids used to eating vegetables.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 sticks celery, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bunch English spinach, leaves only, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 cup hot water
• salt and pepper

Topping

• 500g kumera, cooked and mashed
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup Italian Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

1. Heat stir-fry pan on medium-hot flame. Add mince, onion, celery and carrots. Stir-fry until meat changes colour and the onion is transparent.
2. Add peas, broccoli, garlic and tomato paste. Stir -fry until meat and vegetable mixture becomes quite dry. Add soy sauce, mix well.
3. Add hot water, cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir chopped spinach through, season to taste.
5. Transfer cooked mince into an oven-proof dish or 4 individual dishes. Preheat oven to 180 C.
6. Spread mashed kumera over the meat and vegetable mixture, sprinkle with salt and pepper and score it with a fork. Spread Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden.