Save Pin A comforting, plant-based twist on the classic shepherds pie, featuring hearty lentils and a creamy sweet potato mash topping.
The first time I made this veggie shepherds pie for my family, even the meat-lovers asked for seconds. The sweet potato mash really brings a lovely creaminess that everyone enjoys.
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 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 (or canned): 2 cups (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 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 a large pot with salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash potatoes:
- Add olive oil (or vegan butter) and non-dairy milk to sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook filling:
- Add lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add peas and season:
- Add frozen peas, stir, and cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and season as needed.
- Assemble dish:
- Spread lentil mixture evenly into baking dish (about 9x13 inch). Top with sweet potato mash, spreading gently to cover.
- Finish mash:
- Create ridges in the mash with a fork, if desired. Drizzle a little olive oil for extra crispness.
- Bake:
- Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Rest:
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Save Pin This shepherds pie quickly became a cozy staple at our family table. The warm lentil filling and vibrant mash were a hit with both adults and kids.
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. Double check labels on non-dairy milk and butter. Gluten-free if you choose tamari and gluten-free broth.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 68 g, Protein 12 g
Save Pin Serve piping hot from the oven and enjoy the comforting flavors. It's a plant-based meal that never fails to please.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be swapped for sweet potatoes to create a more classic mash topping with a neutral flavor.
- → How do I ensure the mash topping is creamy?
Mash the sweet potatoes well with olive oil or vegan butter and a splash of non-dairy milk until smooth and creamy before spreading it over the filling.
- → What lentils work best for the filling?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture ideal for this dish.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the lentil mixture?
Adding herbs like thyme and rosemary alongside smoked paprika and tomato paste brings depth and warmth to the filling.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring the vegetable broth is gluten-free, the dish remains compliant with gluten-free needs.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely, prepare the lentil filling and mash separately, then layer and bake before serving for convenience.