The Modern Twist: Grannies Classic Sweet Potato and Spiced Beef Cottage Pie

Now, let’s infuse this classic with a bit of a contemporary flair. We’re replacing regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, known for their richer vitamins and a lovely sweet note. The beef receives a touch of warmth with spices.

Ingredients:

• 500g minced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 400ml beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 700g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 50g butter
• 100ml milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Follow the traditional recipe’s initial steps for preparing the beef. However, when adding the beef back into the pan, include the ground cumin and smoked paprika.
2. Continue with the recipe, but replace the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for mashing.
3. Complete the dish by layering the spiced beef mixture with the sweet potato mash, and bake until golden.
4. By embracing both the past and the present, this dish not only honours traditions but also celebrates the ever-evolving nature of food. So, the next time you long for a touch of nostalgia, remember, Grandma’s classics can always be reimagined for today’s dining table.