Coconut Curry Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy Coconut Curry Shepherd’s Pie With Spicy Mashed Sweet Potato

On a chilly evening when the wind rustles the leaves and the world outside seems a bit too vast and cold, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a home-cooked meal to bring warmth to the heart. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a dish that does just that—Curry Shepherd’s Pie. This isn’t just any shepherd’s pie; it’s a delightful fusion of classic comfort and exotic spices, a recipe that promises not only to fill your stomach but also to warm your soul.

Imagine pulling a dish out of the oven, the top golden and slightly crisped to perfection, the aroma of spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala wafting through the air, beckoning your family to the table. This Curry Shepherd’s Pie transforms the dinner table into a place of gathering, sharing, and creating memories—one forkful at a time.

The story of how this dish came to be in my kitchen is as simple as it is special. It began on a bustling market day, amidst stands of colorful spices and fresh produce, where the idea of melding the robust flavors of India with the hearty structure of British shepherd’s pie sparked a culinary lightbulb. Why not take the comforting base of minced meat and mashed potatoes and imbue it with a kick of curry spice?

The result was spectacular. The first time I made Curry Shepherd’s Pie, it was for a small family gathering. As we sat around the table, the usual chatter filled the room, but as soon as the pie was served, a moment of silent appreciation for the first bite ensued. The rich, spiced meat mingled with the creamy potatoes in a way that words could barely do justice. It was, as my grandmother declared with a satisfied nod, “a hug in a dish.”

This recipe is now a cherished favorite, requested at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. It’s proof that sometimes, the best way to add a little warmth to your life is through exploring new flavors and traditions, bringing them into your home, and onto your plate.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, this Curry Shepherd’s Pie is sure to impress. It’s more than a meal—it’s a journey, a comfort, and a celebration of flavor. So, tie your apron, preheat your oven, and ready your spices. Let’s make something beautiful together.

Creamy Coconut Curry Shepherd’s Pie With Mashed Sweet Potato

Recipe by EvaCourse: DinnerCuisine: British, IndianDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

50

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Resting time

15

minutes

Serving size

300

grams

Net carbs

33

grams

Total time

1

hour 

35

minutes

This Creamy Coconut Curry Shepherd’s Pie, which blends the comforting textures of the classic dish with the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine, is truly a culinary adventure. The recipe infuses the traditional meat filling with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, offering a delightful twist that transforms the familiar into something exotic. Topped with creamy mashed potatos — with an option for a spicy sweet potato version — this dish is a perfect fusion that brings a global flair to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal routine or impress guests with something unique, this Curry Shepherd’s Pie promises warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef (cottage pie)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon coriander

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra hotness)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or regular potatoes for a less spicy version)

• 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (the creamy part)

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• Salt to taste

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for spicy mashed sweet potatoes

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Meat Filling:
  Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and golden.
  Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
  Stir in the ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder (if using).
  Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
  Mix in the diced carrot, frozen peas, tomato paste, and broth.
  Season with salt and pepper.
  Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes until thickened.
• Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
  While the filling is cooking, place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add coconut milk, coconut oil, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. If making spicy mashed potatoes, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes at this stage.
• Assemble the Pie:
  Spoon the meat filling into a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with the back of a spoon or a spatula.
  Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato topping if desired. These ridges will become crispy when baked.
• Bake the Pie:
  Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
• Serving:
  Let the pie sit for a 15 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips

• Spice Blend: Customize the level of heat and flavor by adjusting the amounts of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and optional chili powder to your taste. This allows you to tailor the spice profile to your preference or to what you have available in your pantry.
• Meat Options: While traditional Shepherd’s Pie often uses lamb, this recipe can also be made with ground beef, or even ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Each choice of meat will bring a different depth and character to the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Decide between traditional mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes for the topping. Sweet potatoes will add a natural sweetness and a nutritional boost, as well as a beautiful color contrast.
• Serving Suggestions: Garnish the pie with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
• Make Ahead: Curry Shepherd’s Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply bake it when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
• For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt to the meat mixture before assembling the pie.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings per container

Serving Size300g

---

Calories600

• Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
• Total Fat 35g 54%
  • Saturated Fat 6.08g 31%
  • Trans Fat 0.25g
• Sodium 589mg 25%

• Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
• Potassium 868mg 25%
• Total Carbohydrate 33g 11%
  • Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
  • Sugars 6g

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tools needed to make this recipe

To make Curry Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need a variety of kitchen tools and utensils to handle the preparation of ingredients, cooking, and baking. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything necessary:

*Highlighted are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining ingredients like spices and for mashing potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring spices, liquids, and other ingredients.
• Pie Dish or Baking Dish: Required for assembling and baking the shepherd’s pie.
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Needed for cooking the meat and vegetable filling.
• Potato Masher: For mashing the boiled potatoes into a creamy consistency.
• Saucepan or Large Pot: Used for boiling potatoes.
• Rolling Pin: If you’re making a homemade pie crust, a rolling pin will be needed to roll out the dough.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, and other prep work.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring the filling as it cooks and for spreading the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture.
• Peeler: For peeling potatoes, if you prefer them peeled.
• Colander or Strainer: For draining boiled potatoes.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for handling hot dishes when removing them from the oven.
• Aluminum Foil or Baking Paper: Optional, used for covering the dish if the top is browning too quickly during baking.

These tools will help you efficiently prepare and assemble your Curry Shepherd’s Pie, ensuring a smooth cooking process from start to finish.