Save A comforting, plant-based twist on the classic shepherds pie featuring hearty lentils and a creamy sweet potato mash topping.
I first made this veggie shepherds pie on a rainy weekend and it quickly became a favorite for chilly evenings. The sweet potato mash makes it wonderfully creamy without dairy.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- Olive oil or vegan butter: 2 tbsp
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk: 1/4 cup (or regular milk if preferred)
- Salt and freshly ground 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: 2 cups (or 1 can, 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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Cook sweet potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Add olive oil (or vegan butter) and non-dairy milk, mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lentil Filling:
- Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add Peas:
- Add frozen peas, stir, and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer Pie:
- Spread lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish (about 9x13 inch). Top with sweet potato mash, spreading gently to cover.
- Finish Mash:
- Use a fork to create ridges in mash, optionally drizzle with a little olive oil.
- Bake Pie:
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until top is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Save My kids love helping to spread the mash on top and always ask for seconds. It's a lovely way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this shepherds pie with a crisp green salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead & Storage
Prepare the filling and mash ahead of time. Assemble and refrigerate for up to two days, or freeze for a make-ahead dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving contains about 390 calories, 8 g fat, 68 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.
Save This shepherds pie is filling, comforting and brings everyone together at the table. The leftovers heat beautifully for easy lunches.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely, regular potatoes can be substituted for a milder, classic mash topping with similar creamy texture.
- → How do I achieve the best texture for the lentil filling?
Simmer lentils with vegetables and spices until thickened to create a hearty, cohesive filling that holds together well under the mash.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, using tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free vegetable broth ensures the dish is gluten-free friendly.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The lentil filling can be made in advance and assembled just before baking for convenience and enhanced flavors.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this main?
Light green salads or steamed seasonal greens complement this hearty main, balancing flavors and textures.