Description
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato is a twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie, replacing the traditional meat filling with protein-packed lentils. The dish is topped with a creamy mashed sweet potato topping, offering a slight sweetness that perfectly complements the savory lentil filling. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lentil Filling:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the Lentil Filling:
- Cook the Lentils:
- In a pot, combine the lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Combine the Filling:
- Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with butter (or olive oil) and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Layer the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the lentil filling evenly at the bottom.
- Top with Sweet Potato Mash:
- Spoon the sweet potato mash over the lentil filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden.
Notes
Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set. For added texture, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top before baking. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies for a hearty, balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato