Afritada is a Filipino style stew cooked in a lush tomato broth.  In this recipe we turned it into a Shepard’s Pie by using minced chicken stewed with green bell peppers, chickpeas and fresh tomatoes.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

What is Afritada?

Afritada came to the Philippines during the Spanish Colonization.  The name is derived from the Spanish word Fritata which means fried.  Frying is done in each step of the recipe.  Once all the ingredients are fried and crispy it’s then left to stew with fresh tomatoes. This dish is considered an everyday food that is on rotation on a weekly basis at a Filipino table.

How to Make Afritada – Shepard’s Pie Style

With me being me I wanted to make a new spin on it.  Traditionally it is made with chicken thighs, carrots, bell peppers and potatoes.  I swapped out the thighs to mince and took out the carrots because yuck.  Then whipped up the potatoes instead and made it into a Shepard’s Pie! I have to say it turned out pretty good!

Step 1 – Fry all the food & Make the Mashed Potatoes

Not deep fry, but a light fry in some olive oil.  Start with the chickpeas and season it with some salt and pepper, then follow with the green bell peppers.  Set both to the side while cooking the chicken mince with onions, garlic and fresh tomatoes.

While the chicken was cooking have 3 potatoes in a steamer getting nice and soft.  Around the same time the chicken finished cooking turn off the heat to both and drain the potatoes.  Put them back into the pot and mashed it up with vegan butter and vegan milk.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside until later.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Step 2 – Combine The Ingredients

After everything is all cooked individually, add everything to the chicken mince.  First the green bell peppers.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Then the chickpeas.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Then stir it all together.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Step 3 – Transfer to a Serving Dish

Once you have mixed all the ingredients together, transfer it all into a large dish.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Making sure it’s all even and all the way to the edge like so.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Step 4 – Cover the Afritada with Mash Potato!

The most important part of Shepard’s Pie is the carpet of mashed potato, so we add then now.  I like to add it in big clumps like this.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Then use a spatula to spread it all over the top of the Afritata.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Step 5 – Garnish the Afritada

Finish the Shepard’s Pie with some garlic infused olive oil, flaky sea salt, black pepper and fresh chives.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Scoop some up and serve with a nice leafy green salad on the side.

Afritata Shepard's Pie

Other Healthy Filipino Meals to Add to the Weekly Rotation

Paleo Longsilog Made With Longganisa Crumbles

Ginataang Malunggay at Tokwa

Paleo Filipino Menudo Meat Pie Recipe

Afritada Shepard's Pie

How to Make Afritata – Shepard’s Pie Style

Afritata is a Filipino style stew cooked in a lush tomato broth. In this recipe we turned it into a Shepard’s Pie by using minced chicken stewed with green bell peppers, chickpeas and fresh tomatoes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 6 People

Ingredients

  • 1 Can Chickpeas Drained and Dried
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Diced
  • 1 Pound Ground Minced Chicken
  • 1/2 Red Onion Diced
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 3 Large Tomatoes Diced
  • 3 Russet Potatoes Peeled and Cut into 4 Large Wedges
  • 1/2 Cup Vegan Butter Cubed
  • 1/2 Cup Vegan Milk
  • 2 Tablepsoons Chopped Chives
  • Garlic Infused Oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  • Heat up a large skillet on medium heat add in 1 Tablespoon of the oil.  Add in the chickpeas and fry until crispy, about 5-8 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Set aside in a bowl.
  • In the same skillet add in another tablespoon of the oil and fry up the bell peppers.  About 5 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside in a bowl.
  • Pour 2 inches of water into a pot and place a metal steamer basket inside and place the potatoes in.  Bring up to a simmer and cover to steam for 15 minutes.
  • Using the same skillet again this time adding in 2 tablespoons of oil add in the onions and fry until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add in the chicken mice and garlic.  Fry until nice and brown about 8 minutes.  Add in the diced tomato and cook until the tomato has broken down, about 8 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Turn off the heat and mix in the chickpeas and bell pepper.  Set aside while you make the mashed potatoes.
  • Drain the potatoes.  Using the same pot put the potatoes back in with the butter and milk.  Mash until nice and smooth.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside in a bowl.
  • Transfer the Afritata into a serving dish and spread evenly.  Top with the mashed potatoes and spread over the Afritata. 
  • Garnish with more garlic oil, salt pepper and chives. Serve with a nice side salad.
Did you enjoy making it? I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @rezelkealoha with the #rezelkealoha!
For more  Filipino inspired goodness in your life follow along on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.  Or subscribe to get these recipes in your inbox.  And if you make this Afritata Shepard’s Pie recipe I would love to see it.  Tag your Instagram snaps with @rezelkealoha and #rezelkealohaeats or #BahayKuboRecipes.