Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Embark on a culinary adventure with this vibrant Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie! This comforting dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a hearty lentil and vegetable base topped with a creamy mashed sweet potato crown.
Ingredients:
Lentil Base:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sweet Potato Mash:
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, cashew, coconut)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Craft the Lentil Base:
• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Introduce the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrance to bloom.
• Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
• While the lentil base simmers, cook the diced sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Using a hand mixer or masher, blend the sweet potatoes with plant-based milk and olive oil until creamy.
• Season generously with salt and pepper. - Assemble and Bake:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the cooked lentil base to a baking dish.
• Top the lentil base with the creamy sweet potato mash, spreading evenly to create a delightful crown.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potato mash is golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving.
• Divide into portions and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful vegetarian main course.
Tips:
• For a touch of extra richness, add a tablespoon of vegan butter to the sweet potato mash.
• Feel free to add your favorite chopped vegetables to the lentil base, such as green peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300-400 kcal
Protein: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g (including fiber: 5-10g)
Fat: 10-15g (including saturated fat: 2-4g)
Embark on this culinary voyage and savor the delightful Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
