Description
Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender lentils, vegetables, herbs, and a rich savoury filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbling, it makes a satisfying family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of water and boil for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain well, then mash the sweet potatoes with the butter, milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the minced garlic, cooked lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and remaining salt. Stir well and simmer for approximately 8 minutes, allowing the flavours to come together and the filling to become savoury and rich.
5. Stir in the frozen peas until evenly distributed throughout the lentil mixture. Transfer the filling to a baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the lentil filling. Spread them evenly across the surface, covering the filling completely.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the sweet potato topping is lightly golden.
8. Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving. Spoon generous portions of the creamy sweet potato topping and hearty lentil filling onto plates.
Notes
Cook the sweet potatoes until tender so they mash easily for a smooth topping.
Drain the potatoes well to help keep the mash creamy rather than watery.
Give the lentil filling enough time to simmer so the lentils and vegetables can absorb the broth and seasoning.
Spread the sweet potato topping evenly to help it brown consistently during baking.
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving, which makes it easier to portion.
The mashed sweet potato can be prepared ahead of assembling the pie. Keep it covered until you’re ready to layer it over the lentil filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian