Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Savory ground beef simmered in red wine and seasonings topped with the subtle sweetness of sweet potato ...  this is not your ordinary shepherd's pie. 

Ingredients:

1  1/2 lbs sweet potato
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp cumin 
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
2-4 tbsps milk
pats of butter to top

1 lb lean ground beef
2 tbsps olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsps worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp sage
1 bay leaf
4 oz red wine
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup frozen peas

In a large skillet, sauté onions and carrot in olive oil. Add garlic and beef and cook until beef is browned. Add the wine and simmer for 5 minutes, then add the worcestershire sauce, beef broth, balsamic, tomato paste and seasonings. 
Simmer 20-30 minutes to slightly thicken.

Meanwhile cook the sweet potato.... this sucker was 1  1/2 lbs all by itself! Microwaved for 15 minutes then I scooped out the tender sweet potato and mashed it along with butter, cumin, garlic powder, sea salt and milk.

Lightly oil the sides of a deep 8 X 8" baking dish.
Remove the bay leaf from the meat mixture and spoon it into the bottom of the dish. Then add a layer of frozen peas.

Top with that lovely sweet potato mash...

and a few pats of butter.

Bake at 425F for 20-30 minutes, then let sit a few minutes before spooning onto plates.

Serves 4