Pin A comforting, plant-based twist on the classic shepherds pie featuring hearty lentils and a creamy sweet potato mash topping.
I first made this for a cozy family dinner and was amazed at how the lentils and sweet potatoes brought comfort without any meat. Even the pickiest eaters went for seconds!
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- Olive oil or vegan butter: 2 tbsp
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk (or regular milk): 1/4 cup
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cooked brown or green lentils (or canned): 2 cups, drained and rinsed
- 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
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Add olive oil (or vegan butter) and non-dairy milk, mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Lentil Ingredients:
- Add lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Add Peas:
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and season as needed.
- Assemble Pie:
- Spread lentil mixture into a baking dish (about 9x13 inch). Top with sweet potato mash. Spread gently to cover.
- Finish & Bake:
- Use a fork to create ridges on the mash if desired, drizzle with olive oil. Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden and filling bubbles. Let rest before serving.
Pin This pie has become a Sunday tradition for my family. It always brings everyone to the table to share stories and seconds!
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 labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 68 g, Protein 12 g
Pin Serve warm and enjoy the hearty flavors. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute sweet potatoes in this dish?
Yes, regular potatoes can be used instead of sweet potatoes for the mash, providing a different but delicious texture and flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
When using tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free vegetable broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- → How can I make the mash topping extra creamy?
Adding olive oil or vegan butter along with non-dairy milk while mashing sweet potatoes ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- → What herbs enhance the lentil filling's flavor?
Dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika blend to create a warm and aromatic filling for the lentils.
- → Can I add cheese to this dish?
Grated cheese or vegan cheese can be stirred into the mash before baking for added richness and flavor.
- → What cooking tools are essential for preparation?
A large pot, skillet, potato masher, and baking dish are key tools to prepare the components and bake this dish.