Thai Shepherd's Pie


  • 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash
  • 1 1/3 pounds lean ground turkey (or chicken)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh (or 2 T. dried) basil
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh (or 2 T. dried) mint
  • 1/4 cup minced cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon white flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
  • 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
Coconut-Citrus Topping:
  • 1 14.5-ounce can chicken broth
  • 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup white flour
  • grated peel of one lime
  • grated peel of one lemon
Garnish:
  • 1 large carrot, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1-2 small fresh chilies (optional)
  • sprigs of basil, mint, and/or cilantro (optional)

Cut squash in half, seed it, and place it cut side down in a baking dish with about 1/2 inch of water. Bake at 350° until squash is tender when pierced, about 1 hour. Let squash stand until cool enough to handle; cut off skin and cut squash into 3/4-inch chunks. There should be about 5 cups of squash. Place squash in the center of a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Meanwhile, combine turkey, garlic, onion, basil, mint, cilantro, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large frying pan. Stir often over medium-high heat until meat and onion are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir flour into meat mixture, then mix in broth, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and fish sauce. Stir until bubbling and thick; remove from heat.

Tuck potatoes around squash pieces; spoon turkey mixture over vegetables and spread to make level. If making ahead, cover and chill up to 1 day.

In a medium saucepan smoothly blend coconut-citrus topping ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Then reduce heat and simmer gently, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

Pour coconut-citrus topping evenly over turkey mixture. Bake uncovered at 375° until topping is browned at casserole edges and juices are bubbling, 50-60 minutes.

Gently mix grated carrot and 1 tablespoon vinegar in a small bowl. Spread carrot mixture down the middle of the casserole, top with optional chilies, and encircle rim of casserole with optional herb sprigs.

Makes 8 servings.

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