Save A comforting, plant-based twist on the classic shepherds pie, featuring hearty lentils and a creamy sweet potato mash topping.
I first made this veggie shepherds pie on a chilly autumn night when I was craving something filling and wholesome but wanted to keep things plant-based. The sweet potato topping makes every bite cozy.
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Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
- Olive Oil or Vegan Butter: 2 tbsp, for mash
- Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: 1/4 cup (or regular milk)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, divided
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for filling
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Brown or Green Lentils: 2 cups cooked or 1 can drained and rinsed
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup
- Vegetable Broth: 1 cup
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: 1 tbsp
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried Rosemary: 1 tsp
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- Cook sweet potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash:
- Add 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter and 1/4 cup non-dairy milk to sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Filling Veggies:
- While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic, cooking 1 minute.
- Add Lentils & Seasonings:
- Add lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
- Add Peas:
- Stir in peas. Cook 2 minutes. Season to taste.
- Layer:
- Spread lentil mixture in 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with sweet potato mash.
- Finish:
- Use fork for ridges (optional), drizzle olive oil. Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden and filling bubbles.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Save This shepherds pie is a favorite at home, especially on Sundays when everyone gathers for a comforting meal. Even picky eaters love the sweet potato topping.
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Required Tools
Large pot, colander, potato masher, large skillet, baking dish, mixing spoon, knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains soy if using soy sauce. Always check non-dairy products for allergens. Gluten-free when tamari and certified gluten-free broth is used.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 390, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 68 g, Protein: 12 g
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This veggie shepherds pie is perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep. Enjoy each bite with your favorite side.
Recipe FAQs
- → What lentils work best for this dish?
Brown or green lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well and absorb flavors nicely during simmering.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, using tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free vegetable broth ensures it’s gluten-free.
- → How do I get a creamy sweet potato mash?
Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with olive oil or vegan butter and unsweetened non-dairy milk for smoothness.
- → What herbs enhance the lentil filling?
Dried thyme and rosemary add fragrant, earthy notes, balanced with smoked paprika for depth.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking; bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
