This much-loved dish gets a pumpkin makeover. Replacing the traditional potato topping with mashed butternut pumpkin not only adds colour, nutrients and more flavour but it cuts the calories down too.
chunky tomato passata cooking sauce, salt-reduced, jar
750 mls
rock salt & cracked pepper
to season
Poppy-Pumpkin Mash Topping:
pumpkin, butternut, fresh, peeled, cubed
500 g
cheese, mozzarella, low-fat, grated
70 g
poppy seeds
1 tbsp
flaxseed meal
1 tsp
parsley, continental, fresh, finely chopped
2 tbsp
Spray with oil and heat either a large, deep saucepan or deep non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the meat by cooking it for 6-8 minutes. Stir frequently to break up the mince. Make a small circle in the middle of the pan, and add onions and garlic. Cook, for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in tomato paste and add all vegetables. Pour passata sauce over the top and stir thoroughly. Add mixed herbs and season with pepper & salt. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes on medium-low heat, until sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
Preheat grill. Steam or microwave pumpkin for 5-6+ minutes, then mash when cooked. (I add a 1-2 tbls of low-fat milk, to make it fluffy and creamier, and 1 finely chopped spring onion).
Transfer meat and vegetables to a deep rectangular shaped casserole dish or large ceramic baking dish. Spoon mashed pumpkin over the top. Sprinkle with cheese and place under the grill for 5-6 minutes until cheese has melted. Garnish with poppy seeds, flaxseed meal and parsley when ready to serve.
TCB Tips:
- Most supermarkets now sell pre-chopped pumpkin.
- Make Shepherd's Pie waffles for the kids lunches. Spoon into mini pita bread pockets and grill both sides.