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!
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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
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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!
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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.
