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| Sweet potatoes were introduced to Spain by Christopher Columbus in 1493 |
Sweet potatoes have been the focus of a new campaign to celebrate the birth of this root vegetable in Spain.
A two-day event hosted by Velez Malaga Town Hall’s culture department has celebrated the history, dietary benefits and culinary versatility of this starchier alternative to the traditional spud.
Sweet potatoes were first brought into Spain by Christopher Columbus from the island of Haiti, when he returned from his first voyage in 1493.
While originally cultivated in Sevilla, the climate there was found to be not quite right and production was soon transferred to the Axarquia.
If you are not familiar with this delicious root vegetable, high in vitamins B6, C, D and also minerals iron and magnesium, try this easy recipe to get you started.
You will be pleasantly surprised!
Sweet potato shepherd's pie
- 250g extra-lean mince
- 2 onions , chopped
- 3 carrots , diced
- 2 celery sticks , diced
- 2 garlic cloves , crushed
- 200ml lamb stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Marmite
- 1 x 400g tin lentils , drained
- 1kg sweet potatoes , chopped
- 2 tbsp half fat crème fraîche
- 1 bunch chives , snipped
- Heat a non-stick pan and dry fry the mince until browned.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic and fry for 5 minutes. Stir in the stock, Worcester sauce, Marmite, lentils and some seasoning.
- Simmer for 10 minutes or until saucy.
- Meanwhile boil or steam the sweet potato until tender.
- Drain then mash with the crème fraîche.
- Add the chives.
- Heat the oven to 200C/fan oven 180C/gas 6.
- Transfer the mince to an ovenproof dish.
- Add the mash.
- Cook for 30 minutes until bubbling.
