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.
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
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.
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
Save 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.