Spicy shepherd's pie

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add in the onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, chilli, fennel seeds and cumin, mixing well. Fry gently until the onion has softened.

2. Add in the minced lamb and mushrooms, mixing well, and fry until the meat has browned on all sides, spooning off any excess fat and liquid.

3. Mix in the flour and cook briefly. Add in the tomato puree, Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.

4. Mix in the stock, bring to the boil and cook for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened.

5. Remove the thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and place in an ovenproof dish.

6. Meanwhile boil the potatoes in salted water until cooked. Drain and mash the potatoes. Add butter and cream and pass through a potato ricer.

7. Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas 5.

8. Spread the mashed potato in an even layer over the top of the mince. Sprinkle over the grated cheddar.

9. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is golden brown. Serve hot from the oven with winter vegetables.