Description

Lamb, Harissa & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and vibrant twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. It features tender ground lamb infused with smoky, spicy harissa paste, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, low-carb cauliflower mash topping. This dish offers bold North African flavors with a healthy and hearty profile, perfect for warming dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb ground lamb

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium cauliflower (broken into florets)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Spices and Herbs

2 tbsp harissa paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Other Ingredients

2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 to 3/4 cup beef or vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower Mash: Break the cauliflower into florets and steam them until tender. Blend the steamed cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy, then set aside for topping.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and diced carrots until softened and fragrant to build the flavor base.
Cook the Lamb and Spices: Add ground lamb to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with bold, smoky flavors.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Mix in tomato paste, peas, and broth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and the flavors meld perfectly.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish, spread the cauliflower mash evenly on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.

Notes

Use fresh or high-quality harissa paste for the best flavor.
Do not overcook the cauliflower; steam until just tender to keep the mash fluffy.
Simmer the filling until reduced to avoid a watery pie.
Season each layer well to ensure balanced flavors.
Allow the pie to rest slightly before serving for easier slicing and better texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: North African Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: shepherd's pie, lamb recipe, harissa, cauliflower mash, gluten-free, North African, comfort food, healthy twist, low carb