Shepherd's Pie is such a delish comforting food - in this one we've bumped up the nutrition by beefing it up with - not beef - but lentils, and subbed out the traditional potato for kumara. This adds more fibre into the meal and will help keep you fuller for longer!

INGREDIENTS

• 300-400g ground beef (if you want to make this fully vegetarian, you can completely substitute this for lentils)
• 1 400g tin lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tin tomato puree
• 250ml beef or vege stock (or make up the equivalent in the stock cubes/powder with water)
• 4-5 medium-sized kumara, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 4 cups vegetables of your choice*
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 2/3 cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

* TIP: You can chuck just about any vegetables into the mince/lentil mixture for this! Broccoli, beans, capsicum, courgette, celery, mushrooms... Get creative and use what's left in the fridge vege drawer. Alternatively, you could subtract some of these veges and serve them on the side instead (i.e. side salad or steamed beans).

METHOD

Peel and chop kumara into large chunks, place into a saucepan of water and boil on medium heat until tender. Drain water off and mash the kumara.

In a large frying pan, add oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, cook until fragrant and onion has softened.

Add minced beef, breaking up any lumps, and cook stirring constantly until browned.

Add vegetables and continue to stir around until they start to soften.

Add lentils, tomato puree and stock, bring to the boil then reduce heat and continue to stir, allowing to simmer until vegetables are cooked through for about 10-15 mins.

Place mixture into an ovenproof baking dish or ramekins and place mashed kumara on top. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the kumara.

Bake in oven at 180 degrees or until cheese and kumara begin to turn golden brown.

TIP: This is great to make in bulk to meal prep for lunches or dinners throughout the week, and also freezes well. Follow your portion sizes according to the hand reference guide. 

Image / NZ Real Health