Savory Lentil Shepherds Pie (Printable Version)
Comforting lentils and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, vegan main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentil Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
07 - 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 2 teaspoons dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 3 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
14 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 cup frozen peas
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Mashed Potato Topping
17 - 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
18 - 3 tablespoons vegan butter
19 - 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peeled and cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
04 - Add mushrooms and cook for 3 more minutes. Stir in rinsed lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in frozen peas. Season the filling with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Drain cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add vegan butter and non-dairy milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
08 - Spread the lentil filling evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and smooth the surface with a spatula.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato surface. Bake for 20 minutes. For a golden finish, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
10 - Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- It feels like a warm hug after a long day, sharing comfort without any guilt.
- Its plant-based filling is so hearty and flavorful, even meat-eaters can't get enough of it.
02 -
- Don't rush the simmering step; allowing the lentils to absorb flavors makes all the difference.
- Adding balsamic vinegar near the end brightens the dish and lifts the earthy notes.
03 -
- Test your lentils before cooking to avoid mushy or undercooked textures.
- Creating those potato ridges is the secret to getting an irresistibly crispy topping every time.