Veggie Shepherds Pie Lentils (Printable)

A hearty plant-based main featuring lentils and creamy sweet potato mash topping.

# What you'll need:

→ Sweet Potato Mash

01 - 2.5 pounds peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Lentil Filling

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 large onion, finely diced
07 - 2 medium carrots, diced
08 - 2 celery stalks, diced
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
11 - 1 cup frozen peas
12 - 1 cup vegetable broth
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
03 - Add olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk to the sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
05 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
07 - Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Spread lentil mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with sweet potato mash, spreading gently to cover.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges on the sweet potato topping and drizzle with olive oil for added crispness.
10 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
11 - Allow to rest a few minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Full of wholesome vegetables and plant-based protein
  • Satisfying, cozy and ideal for family dinners
02 -
  • Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if you like classic flavor
  • This recipe is gluten-free if using tamari and gluten-free broth
03 -
  • Add chopped mushrooms or parsnips for extra flavor
  • Stir vegan cheese into the mash before topping for richness
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