
Lentil Shepherd's Pie
A hearty vegetarian twist on classic shepherd's pie with lentils, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
20 mins
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Cook lentils: Rinse lentils and cook in boiling water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Make mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until soft. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Sauté vegetables: In a large pan, sauté onions and carrots in oil for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Make lentil filling: Stir in cooked lentils, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add peas last.
Assemble pie: Spread lentil mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a fork.
Bake: Place in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until top is golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Lentil Tip: For extra flavor, cook lentils in vegetable broth instead of water.
- Crispy Top: For a crispy potato topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pie a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to baking time.
- Freezing: This pie freezes well before baking. Thaw in fridge before baking as directed.
- Variations: Add mushrooms or swap sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.