Vegan Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
A hearty and delicious vegan shepherd's pie made with lentils and sweet potatoes, offering a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried brown or green lentils Rinsed
- 3 medium Sweet potatoes Peeled or unpeeled
- 1 medium Yellow onion Diced
- 2 medium Carrots Finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste For added richness
- 1 cup Vegetable broth Low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon Maple syrup Enhances sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Adds depth
- 1/2 teaspoon Thyme Or other herbs like rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin For a warm flavor
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust as needed
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing
- 2 tablespoons (optional) Nutritional yeast Adds cheesiness
- a splash (optional) Plant-based milk For a creamier mash
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse lentils under cold water, then add them to a saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside.
- Chop the sweet potatoes into chunks and place them in a pot covered with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Once the onion softens, add the finely diced carrots and cook until softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Cooking
- Add the prepared lentils, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, pepper, vegetable broth, and maple syrup to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the lentil filling into a baking dish and top it with the mashed sweet potatoes. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top browns lightly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor profile. For a creamier mashed sweet potato topping, add a splash of plant-based milk.