Save to Pinterest 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 was for a Sunday dinner when friends came over, and everyone was delighted at how satisfying and flavorful it was without any meat.
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 black pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cooked brown or green lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed): 2 cups
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes:
- Add olive oil and non-dairy milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add minced garlic. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Lentil Filling:
- Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Add Peas:
- Stir in frozen peas. Cook 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Pie:
- Spread lentil mixture in a baking dish (about 9x13 inch). Top with sweet potato mash, spreading evenly.
- Finish Mash:
- Use fork to create ridges. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until top is slightly golden and filling is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Making this pie together as a family has become a weekend tradition, and kids love mashing the sweet potatoes while adults handle the savory lentil filling.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, potato masher, large skillet, baking dish, mixing spoon, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains soy if using soy sauce. Use tamari and check broth for gluten. Check non-dairy products for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 68 g, Protein: 12 g
Save to Pinterest This veggie shepherds pie offers the ultimate comfort with every bite. Make it your own by swapping in favorite seasonal vegetables or using regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes work well as a topping and provide a classic texture and flavor.
- → How can I add extra richness to the dish?
Stirring grated cheese or vegan cheese into the mash before baking adds a creamy, rich texture.
- → What spices enhance the lentil filling?
Thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and soy sauce create a flavorful and aromatic base for the lentils.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring vegetable broth is gluten-free, the dish remains gluten-free.
- → How should the sweet potato mash be prepared?
Boil peeled sweet potatoes until tender, mash with olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk, then season with salt and pepper.