In the last 2 years I have been moving away from more conventional veg and trying out new vegetables in old favourites. This isn’t because I am anti the potato – I just think there is a world of vegetables out there which could be used instead.
White potatoes feature quite high on the Glycemic Index thus meaning it has a higher impact on your blood sugar levels and insulin. Without getting too scientific as this is not my major – when the blood sugars spike – the body releases insulin in the blood stream to counter act the spike. Simple carbohydrates are easily and quickly utilized for energy by the body because of their simple chemical structure, often leading to a faster rise in blood sugar and insulin secretion from the pancreas – which can have negative health effects.
So knowing this information but without neglecting some delicious classics I have decided to update the traditional cottage pie – with a twist of turnip
Turnip has a GI value of 62 – means they are middle of the range but paired with high protein contents will help control that spike. So enough science… whats the recipe.
Ingredients: for 4-6 people
- Turnip x2
- 800g of Lean Grass Fed beef mince
- 3 Carrots
- 4 Sticks of Celery
- 500ml Homemade beef stock or bought from a butcher
- 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
- White onion x 2
- Red onion x 2
- Garlic
- Salt and Pepper
- Butter
Method:
Turn oven to 180c. Chop up the onions, garlic, celery and carrots into small chunks.
Heat a pan and add some ghee. Slowly sizzle off the onions and garlic until they start to soften. Remove from the pan and set aside but leave the onion juices in the pan.
Add the beef at a low to medium heat, turning the beef slowly, let the juices from the onion cover and flavour the beef.
When the beef begins to brown – add the carrots and mix them together. Add the celery and the onions into the mix.
Slowly add the beef stock and turn the heat up to med – high. Add the chopped tomatoes. Keep stirring the dish on a medium high heat until all of the dish is bubbling away. Then leave on a low to medium heat.
While this simmers away… peel and chop your turnip and place in pan of boiling water and cook until tender. Once tender – drain the water and add a pinch of sea salt and butter and start mashing.
Grab a baking dish – add the contents of the mince to the bottom. Add the mashed turnip on top and if you fancy a little more crispiness add some shavings of parmesan. However tastes just as good without.
Pop in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy. Leave to stand for 5-10 minutes – then serve.
Delicious and Nutritious evening meal.
No Comments