This vegetarian twist on traditional shepherd’s pie features a rich, savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Packed with protein, fiber, and cozy flavors, it’s a deeply satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights or cozy family meals.
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Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
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Cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
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Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
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While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and smoked paprika.
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Add lentils, vegetable broth, and soy sauce.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
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Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing with a spatula. Create peaks and ridges with a fork for crispy tips.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
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Sprinkle with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast before baking for extra flavor.
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Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.
Ingredients
Directions
-
Place potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
-
Cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
-
Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
-
While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
-
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and smoked paprika.
-
Add lentils, vegetable broth, and soy sauce.
-
Bring to a simmer and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
-
Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
-
Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing with a spatula. Create peaks and ridges with a fork for crispy tips.
-
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
-
Let cool slightly before serving.
-
Sprinkle with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast before baking for extra flavor.
-
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.