Name: Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup lentils, rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Introduction

Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a savory lentil filling, it’s a wholesome vegan twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in advance.

A square piece of layered casserole sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The bottom layer is dark brown with cooked lentils mixed with orange diced vegetables, giving it a chunky texture. The middle layer is smooth and creamy mashed potatoes in a pale yellow color. The top layer is bright orange mashed sweet potatoes with a slightly browned and crispy surface, sprinkled with small green herb leaves. Pieces of lentils and orange vegetables peek out from the sides, showing the layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
1 cup lentils, rinsed
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil them in a pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: While the sweet potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the vegetables and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the lentils are cooked and the mixture thickens, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed sweet potatoes, spreading them to cover the filling completely.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the edges are bubbling.

Tips & Variations

Add chili flakes to the lentil mixture if you prefer a spicier flavor.
Top with vegan cheese before baking for an extra layer of richness.
You can swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or a mix of both for a different flavor.
Make the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking to save time.

Storage

Store the assembled or leftover shepherd’s pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to keep the topping crisp. You can also freeze the cooked pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a rectangular slice of layered casserole on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown with small green lentils mixed with orange vegetable chunks, the middle layer is smooth and creamy light yellow mashed potatoes, and the top layer is a golden-brown baked cheese crust sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The edges show some lentils and vegetables peeking out, adding texture. The lighting is soft, highlighting the crispy top and moist layers beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes, brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape well when cooked. Red lentils tend to become mushy and are less ideal for the filling texture.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. This recipe is plant-based and vegan-friendly. Just be sure to use vegan broth and avoid adding any dairy or animal products.