This isn’t just any shepherd's pie; it’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body and soul. Below are some differences between the Ayurvedic shepherd’s pie versus the traditional way.

Ayurvedic Approach vs. Traditional Approach

1. Digestive Ease: Traditional Shepherd's Pie, while delicious, can be heavy and harder to digest due to its rich ingredients like butter-laden mashed potatoes and wheat flour. The Ayurvedic version, with its focus on spices that aid digestion and lighter ingredients, is designed to be more digestible and less taxing on the digestive system.

2. Nutritional Balance: The Ayurvedic approach focuses on incorporating a variety of ingredients that offer a balance of nutrients. The inclusion of various vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains ensures a well-rounded meal.

This dish is my twist on the classic shepherd's pie, tailored to bring balance and nourishment in every bite. Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• Protein: Ground Lamb

• Veggies: Celery, carrots, green beans

• For the Mashed Topping: Sweet potatoes

• For Binding: Spelt flour, egg

• Spices and Herbs: Fresh ginger, CCF (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel blend), black pepper, turmeric, Himalayan salt, dill, thyme, cilantro

Method:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a moderate temperature, ready for baking the pie later.

   • Boil Sweet Potatoes: Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until they are soft enough to mash.

2. Spice Blend:

   • Pound/Grind Spices and Ginger: Take your fresh ginger, CCF, black pepper, turmeric, and dill, and either pound them using a mortar and pestle or grind them in a spice grinder to release their flavors.

3. Cooking the Filling:

   • Saute Spices: Add the pounded spices to a large pan and sauté them briefly to activate their aromas.

   • Add Veggies: Incorporate celery, carrots, and green beans into the pan. Sauté until they soften.

   • Add Meat: Introduce the ground lamb to the pan, mixing it with the vegetables and spices.

   • Season: Add Himalayan salt for taste.

   • Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Stir in finely chopped thyme and cilantro.

4. Thicken the Filling:

   • Add Spelt Flour: Sprinkle spelt flour over the cooked mixture, stirring well to combine.

   • Pour Sweet Potato Water: Use the water from the boiled sweet potatoes to add natural sweetness and moisture to the mixture.

   • Add Egg: Beat one egg and stir it into the pan to help thicken the sauce.

5. Assemble the Pie:

   • Mash Sweet Potatoes: Once boiled, drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

   • Layer the Pie: In a baking dish, layer the meat and vegetable mixture. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top evenly.

6. Bake:

   • Golden Brown Crust: Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake until the top becomes golden brown and forms a crust. This indicates that your Ayurvedic Shepherd’s Pie is ready.

7. Serving:

   • Rest and Serve: Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm!

ENJOY!

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Ayurvedic Shepherd's Pie, a perfect blend of health and taste!

Nutritional Benefits

1. Sweet Potatoes: A healthier alternative to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, and B6), and minerals. They have a lower glycemic index, which means they provide a more stable energy release without spiking blood sugar levels.

2. Spelt Flour: As an ancient grain, spelt flour is generally easier to digest than regular wheat flour and offers a good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

3. Lean Protein: Using ground lamb provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Including an egg not only adds additional protein but also contributes vitamins and minerals.

4. Vegetables: The inclusion of vegetables like celery, carrots, and green beans adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and aiding digestion.

5. Herbs and Spices: Each chosen for their specific health benefits, these add not only flavor but also digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, ginger stimulates digestion, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and CCF (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel blend) is great for balancing all doshas.

Ayurvedic Benefits

1. Balancing Doshas: The choice of ingredients in Ayurvedic cooking is tailored to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). For instance, sweet potatoes are grounding and nourishing for Vata, while the cooling qualities of cilantro benefit Pitta.

2. Digestive Health: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of aiding digestion. Spices like ginger, black pepper, and CCF are known for their digestive properties, helping to improve metabolism and reduce digestive discomfort.

3. Holistic Nourishment: Ayurveda looks at food not just as sustenance but as a key element in overall well-being. This recipe is designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit.