Caribbean Style Cottage Pie

'One one coco full basket' is a Jamaican saying meaning success (like gathering Coconuts) doesn't happen immediately but you'll get there in time... This is simple and a great alternative to a regular Cottage Pie with a flavour of Jamaica.

The last time I made this I had separate layers of sweet potato and normal potatoes on top of the mince and it looked super (yep posh food) but mixing spuds with sweet potatoes also works and is much easier but not as pretty..

Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes

Onions
Garlic
Fresh Chillis to taste
Stock Beef
Carrot
Mushrooms
Slice of Bacon
Thyme
Oregano
Garam Masala - Cumin will do
Seasoning
Worcester Sauce
Soy Sauce
Tomato Puree

Cheese for topping
Method

Potatoes have to go in cold water, never add them to hot water, add salt, boil for a few minutes then add the sweet potatoes, when cooked drain and add a dash of milk, some seasoning and mash.

Meanwhile fry your mince off, add bacon bits, spoon off any excess fat or liquid. Remove from pan, then fry the onions in the same pan including the garlic and very small pieces of chopped carrot in a little butter until the onions are clear. Add the mince and then the Garam Masala (teaspoon), when you can smell the spice add the Soy Sauce and Worcester Sauce (Tbl spoon of each) and the Chilli, stir around for a minute, then add the stock (Beef) the Tomato Puree and sliced mushrooms. Add the herbs and season.

Let it bubble away for 15 mins and reduce a bit.

Then in a large oven dish put a base of the mince mixture and top with the mashed potatoes and put a little grated Cheddar cheese and a few slices of tomatoes, and maybe some sliced Chillies. Cover with foil and put in the oven 180 for about 30 mins then uncover for 10 mins to let the Cheese brown.

If you make this you'll say as you serve it, 'Boonoonounoos' (Love in Jamaican).

Ya Mon