Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie

Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Casserole Recipe

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of North African cuisine with a classic comfort food. This recipe features a flavorful vegetable filling topped with a layer of creamy mashed sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

History

Shepherds’ Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. Originally made with leftover roasted meat and topped with mashed potatoes, the dish was a way to use up ingredients and create a satisfying meal. This Moroccan-inspired version adds a unique twist with the addition of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, as well as vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, and broccoli.

Ingredients

sweet potatoes
3 large sweet potatoes
0.25 cup orange juice
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil, optional
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
vegetable Filling
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 onions, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 lb (454 g) soy burger meat or 4 vegan burgers, crumbled
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Strands saffron, optional
4 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced or 3.25 cup diced canned tomatoes
1 cup vegetable stock
1 head cauliflower
1 large or 2 small zucchini or other squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florettes
0.13 cup raisins, optional
0.25 cup slivered almonds
White potatoes
3 lb (1.36 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1- to 2 inches chunks
2 tsp salt
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly oil an ovenproof baking dish measuring 10 by 15 inches.
2. Bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft, approximately 1 hour. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel and mash the sweet potatoes with orange juice, spices, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. To make the vegetable filling, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add onions, garlic, carrots, soy meat, and spices. Cook the mixture for about 7 minutes, or until the soy meat is browned and crusty but not burnt.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add tomatoes, stock, and cauliflower. When the mixture is warmed through, add zucchini, broccoli, raisins, and almonds. If necessary, heat the mixture in two batches. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
5. To make the white potatoes, combine potatoes and salt in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 3 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for an additional 10 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat and drain the potatoes, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. Mash the potatoes with olive oil, then slowly add 1 cup of the cooking liquid, or enough to give the potatoes a moist and fluffy consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fill two large pastry bags, one with mashed white potatoes and one with mashed sweet potatoes. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Pipe a decorative design on top of the pie, alternating colors for added visual appeal.
7. Return the casserole to the oven for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are heated through. Just before serving, place it under the broiler and cook until the crust is lightly browned.

Variations

Use ground lamb or beef instead of soy meat for a more traditional Shepherds’ Pie.
Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft and easily mashable for a smooth and creamy topping.

- Browning the soy meat in the vegetable filling adds depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

- Piping a decorative design with the mashed sweet potatoes and white potatoes adds a visually appealing touch to the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the sweet potatoes until soft ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the mashed topping.

- Browning the soy meat and vegetables before baking adds depth of flavor to the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for the topping.

- Substitute ground meat or lentils for the soy meat in the filling.

- Use different vegetables based on personal preference or what is in season.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Pipe the mashed sweet potatoes and white potatoes in a decorative pattern on top of the filling for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie with a glass of red wine or a refreshing mint tea for a complete dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the olive oil used for cooking and in the mashed potatoes. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Protein in this dish comes from the soy meat, almonds, and vegetables. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the sweet potatoes, vitamin C from the vegetables, and various minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and almonds, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of British and North African cuisine. With a hearty vegetable filling and creamy mashed potato topping, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago when I first laid eyes on the Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie. It was during one of my travels to Morocco, a country known for its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine.

I had always been fascinated by different culinary traditions, so when I found myself in a bustling market in Marrakech, I knew that I had to try some of the local dishes. As I wandered through the narrow alleys, the tantalizing aromas of spices and herbs filled the air, drawing me towards a small food stall where a friendly woman was cooking up a storm.

I watched as she deftly prepared a hearty pie filled with a savory mixture of ground lamb, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I struck up a conversation with the woman, who kindly shared her recipe with me.

She explained that the key to a delicious Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie lies in the combination of spices used in the filling. Cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric all come together to create a rich and flavorful base that perfectly complements the tender meat and vegetables. She also taught me the traditional method of layering the potato crust on top, giving the pie a comforting and satisfying finish.

I returned home with the recipe in hand, eager to recreate the flavors of Morocco in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients, including fresh lamb, aromatic spices, and plenty of vegetables. As I cooked, the memories of my time in Marrakech flooded back to me, and I felt a sense of connection to the vibrant culture of Morocco.

The scent of the spices filled my kitchen as the pie baked in the oven, and I couldn’t wait to taste the final result. When I finally pulled the dish out of the oven and took my first bite, I was transported back to that bustling market in Marrakech. The flavors were bold and complex, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that I had come to love.

I shared the Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie with my family, who all marveled at the exotic flavors and comforting textures. They couldn’t believe that I had managed to recreate such a delicious dish in my own kitchen. From that moment on, the Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie became a staple in our household, a dish that we would enjoy together on special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons alike.

Over the years, I have continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twists and adaptations to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all fallen in love with the exotic flavors and comforting warmth of this dish. It has become a symbol of my passion for cooking and my love for exploring new culinary traditions.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Marrakech, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. Her generosity has brought so much joy and flavor into my life, and I will always treasure the memory of discovering the Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie for the first time. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the beauty and richness of the world’s culinary traditions.