Spicy Shepherd's Pie

For a household that loves spicy, a regular shepherd's pie receives a lukewarm reception. However, spice it up and make it Indian and wallah, it's gone.

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

600gm mince mutton

3 large russet potatoes

2 medium sized carrots - cut into small cubes

1 large onions - chopped

1.5" fresh ginger - chopped

4 pips garlic - chopped

1 tbsp curry powder

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp tomato paste

300 ml chicken stock

salt to taste

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

150-200 ml milk

a hand full of chopped fresh coriander leaves

(optional - frozen peas and chopped celery)

butter

Method:

Boil potatoes to make mash.

In the meantime prepare the spicy mutton base.

1. Heat some oil and when hot add the ginger, garlic and onions. Sauté till fragrant.

2. Put in the curry powder, chilli powder and garam masala. Fry till it no longer smells raw.

3. Tip in the mince mutton and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add in the carrots, tomato paste and chicken stock.

5. Salt to taste.

6. Cook till slightly dry but still with some thick gravy. Otherwise the base will be too dry when baked.

Mash potato topping

1. Peel the potatoes and mash up.

2. Add in the cumin powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder.

3. Mix well with milk.

4. Add grated cheese

5. Salt ever so lightly.

6. Combine well.

7. We don't want a mixture that is too soft but the texture should be spreadable.

Prepare the baking dish:

Spread out the spicy mutton base and then sprinkle with the chopped coriander leaves.

Top with the potato mixture and spread evenly with a spoon. Drop several dollops of butter to the top.

o The oven should have been pre-heated to 200°C

o Pop the dish in and bake for 30-35 minutes.

o Once out from the oven, cool down slightly so that the topping is slightly firm.

To serve, scope out with a large serving spoon and enjoy while hot.

Note: this recipe is suitable for a 9" diameter casserole dish. For a rectangular 12"x8" dish, use 1 kg mince mutton and 5 medium size potatoes and increase all other measurements by another 1/2.