Mixed Bean Cottage Pie

A quick and simple vegetarian and healthy version of cottage pie that is equally as filling! Beans are a great source of protein, complex carbs and fibre which help to keep you full for longer without the added starch, and sweet potato provides heaps of Vitamin A which is great for your immune system, with the added bonus of a sweeter taste!

The below recipe makes about 2-3 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tin mixed beans

• 1 large sweet potato or 2 medium

• 300g passata

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 flat tsp salt

• 1 tbsp coriander & cumin powder

• 2/3 tbsp garlic

• 2/3 tbsp ginger

• 1/2 tbsp green chilli

• 1 tsp dried mixed herbs

• 1 tsp coconut oil

RECIPE:

1. Peel your sweet potatoes then wash and pat dry and cut into large-ish chunks.

2. Bring a saucepan of water to boil then add in your potatoes and boil for about 12-15 minutes until they are soft to touch.

3. In the meantime heat some oil in a separate pan then add in your ginger, garlic and green chilli and sizzle for about 30 seconds.

4. Drain and add in your tin of mixed beans and stir gently, then sprinkle on your salt, coriander & cumin powder, and dried mixed herbs. Mix well.

5. Add in your passata followed by some water to make the texture a little bit more saucy.

6. Cover and leave to cook on a low heat to allow the flavours to sink in for about 10 minutes after which you can remove from the hob and uncover to allow to cool.

7. Drain your sweet potatoes and leave for about 5 minutes to allow as much water as possible to go.

8. Transfer the potatoes into a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher or back of a cooking spoon if you don't have one. You can add a little bit of butter into the mash potato if you wish.

9. Pre-heat the over to 180 degreea fan (200 degrees normal).

10. In an oven dish, lay out your bean mixture evenly, then carefully top with the sweet potato but by bit, using a spatula to press it down and spread it out evenly, taking care to not allow the tomato sauce from the beans to mix in.

11. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

12. Remove from the oven then top with a sprinkling of dried mixed herbs if you wish.

13. Cut, serve and enjoy!