Veggie Shepherds Pie Lentils

A comforting, plant-based twist on the classic shepherds pie featuring hearty lentils and a creamy sweet potato mash topping.

I experimented with lentils in this shepherds pie one chilly evening and our family was amazed at how delicious and satisfying it turned out. The sweet potato mash adds a lovely creaminess that everyone adored.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) peeled and cubed
• Olive oil or vegan butter: 2 tbsp for mash and sautéing
• Unsweetened non-dairy milk (or regular milk): 1/4 cup for mash
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste for seasoning
• Onion: 1 large finely diced
• Carrots: 2 diced
• Celery stalks: 2 diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves minced
• Cooked brown or green lentils (or canned lentils): 2 cups
• Frozen peas: 1 cup
• Vegetable broth: 1 cup
• Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
• Soy sauce or tamari: 1 tbsp
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp

Instructions

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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Prep Oven:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Cook Potatoes:

Boil sweet potatoes in a pot with salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to pot.

Mash Potatoes:

Add olive oil (or vegan butter) and non-dairy milk to sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Sauté Veggies:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium. Add onion, carrots, celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.

Add Garlic:

Stir in garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make Lentil Filling:

Add lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce and vegetable broth. Simmer and stir for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.

Add Peas and Finish Filling:

Add frozen peas. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and season as needed.

Layer Pie:

Spread lentil mixture in a baking dish (about 9x13 inch). Top with sweet potato mash and spread evenly.

Finish Mash:

Use a fork to create ridges in the mash. Drizzle with olive oil for crispness.

Bake:

Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden on top and filling bubbles.

Serve:

Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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The kids loved making the potato ridges together and everyone dived in for seconds at our Sunday lunch. This has quickly become a regular comfort food for us.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, potato masher, large skillet, baking dish, mixing spoon, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains soy from soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free). Check non-dairy milk and butter for possible allergens. Always check product labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 68 g, Protein 12 g

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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This shepherds pie is wonderful for sharing and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, canned lentils work well. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the filling; this saves cooking time while maintaining flavor.

→ How can I make the sweet potato mash extra creamy?

Add a splash of non-dairy milk or vegan butter while mashing to enhance the creaminess and rich texture.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor of the lentil mixture?

Dried thyme and rosemary, combined with smoked paprika, provide depth and a subtle smoky aroma to the filling.

→ Is it possible to add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, chopped mushrooms or parsnips can be stirred into the lentil filling for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I achieve a golden top on the sweet potato mash?

Drizzling olive oil on top and baking for 15-20 minutes allows the mash to develop a light golden crust.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it before baking and store covered in the fridge. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best texture.