Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
This lentil shepherd's pie is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The lentils are cooked in vegetable broth until tender, then combined with sautéed vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce. The sweet potato topping is the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of sweetness and a crispy texture. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Shepherd's pie is a classic British dish that is typically made with ground lamb or beef. However, this vegetarian version uses lentils instead of meat. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they have a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this dish. The sweet potato topping is a creative twist on the traditional mashed potato topping. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they add a touch of sweetness and a crispy texture to the pie.
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook lentils in vegetable broth according to package directions.
- While lentils are cooking, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a large skillet over medium heat until softened.
- Add corn and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Drain lentils and add to the skillet.
- Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread lentil mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish.
- For the sweet potato topping, use a fork to mash sweet potatoes and spread over the lentil mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
Why It Works
- The lentils provide a hearty and flavorful base for the pie.
- The sautéed vegetables add sweetness, texture, and nutrition.
- The creamy sauce brings all of the flavors together.
- The sweet potato topping adds a touch of sweetness and a crispy texture.