CARB-CONSCIOUS COTTAGE PIE

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:34:26 GMT

Step 1

STEAM THE BUTTERNUT Preheat the oven to 200°C. Boil the kettle. Place a pot over a medium-high heat with 2cm of boiling water covering the base. Once steaming, place the butternut chunks in a colander over the pot. Cover with a lid and allow to steam for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and soft. Alternatively, use a steamer if you have one.

Step 2

COTTAGE PIE FILLING Place a nonstick pan over a medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. When hot, fry the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add in the mince and work quickly to break it up. Allow to caramelise for 5-6 minutes until browned, shifting occasionally. Add the grated garlic and Italian Rub and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the grated carrot and fry for 2-3 minutes until soft, shifting occasionally. Reduce to a low heat and stir in the cooked chopped tomatoes and 80ml of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced and thickened. Stir in some seasoning and a sweetener of choice to taste. Remove from the heat on completion.

Step 3

GREEN FRESHNESS Submerge the peas in hot water for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Drain on completion and place in a bowl with the rinsed green leaves. Toss through a drizzle of oil, season to taste, and set aside for serving.

Step 4

LOW-CARB MASH & CRUMB Once the butternut has steamed, place in a bowl with a knob of butter or a drizzle of oil. Mash until smooth and season to taste.

Step 5

ASSEMBLE & BAKE Transfer the mince mixture to an ovenproof dish and flatten into an even layer. Spread the butternut mash over the top and evenly sprinkle with the crumb. Bake in the hot oven for 10-12 minutes until the top is golden, keeping a close eye on it. For the final 2-3 minutes, turn on the grill setting for an extra-caramelised crust!

Step 6

GET COSY... Spoon a generous helping of guilt-free cottage pie onto a plate and sprinkle over the fresh, chopped parsley. Serve with the garden salad on the side. Go on, Chef – indulge!

Step 7

Chef's Tip Butternut has high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene – all antioxidants that reduce inflammation and cell damage. With its naturally sweet flavour, butternut is delicious roasted, steamed, mashed with butter or coconut oil, or even grated and made into fritters!

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