Sweet Potato and Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's pie is a classic dish that's been around for centuries, and for good reason. This hearty meal is a perfect comfort food that's sure to warm you up on a chilly day. The traditional recipe calls for beef or lamb, but in this recipe, we're swapping out the meat for ground turkey and adding sweet potatoes for a nutritious and delicious twist. This sweet potato and turkey shepherd's pie is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative that's also filling and satisfying.

The sweet potatoes in this recipe are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, making them an excellent choice for your health. Turkey is also a lean protein that's lower in fat and calories than beef or lamb, making it an ideal choice for those who are watching their waistline. This recipe is also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sweet potato topping:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Start by making the filling. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.

3. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

4. Add the diced carrots, celery, and frozen peas to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.

6. While the filling simmers, make the sweet potato topping. In a large pot, boil the chopped sweet potatoes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

7. Add the almond milk and olive oil to the mixing bowl and mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Pour the filling into a large baking dish and spread it out evenly. Spoon the sweet potato topping over the filling, spreading it out to cover the filling completely.

9. Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

10. Remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

FAQ:

1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey? 

2. Yes, you can use ground beef or lamb instead of turkey.

3. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? 

4. Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender before adding them to the filling.

5. Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk? 

6. Yes, you can use regular milk or any other type of milk you prefer.