We all know comfort food is the best kind of food. But did you know you can make a hearty and nutritious dish without sacrificing flavor, or spending hours cooking? Lentil shepherds pie is that dish -- it is a delicious and crowd-pleasing classic that packs a nutritious punch.
Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, lentil shepherds pie is a meal that will leave you feeling full, and healthy.
Not only that, it is a simple dish to make and requires minimal ingredients. With easy-to-follow instructions, you will learn exactly what ingredients are needed, how to make the filling, and how to complete the dish with a crispy crust. Get ready to whip up a meal that will have the entire family asking for seconds.
Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional, for umami flavor)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions for Lentil Shepherds Pie:
1. Prepare Lentil Filling:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender but not mushy (about 20-25 minutes). Drain any excess liquid.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it's giving off it's delicious smell.
- Stir in tomato paste and soy sauce (if using) for added depth of flavor.
- Add cooked lentils and frozen peas to the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Prepare Mashed Potato Topping:
- While the lentil filling is simmering, place peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or fork.
- Add almond milk, butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the lentil filling to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato surface, which will brown nicely in the oven.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for a few minutes before serving.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop out portions of the vegetarian shepherd's pie onto plates and enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
This vegetarian shepherd's pie is rich in protein from lentils and packed with flavorful vegetables. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, and feel free to customize the recipe with additional herbs or spices.
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This lentil shepherds pie is not only healthy and nutritious, but it can also bring the family together. With its savory base and the option to add a variety of toppings, this delicious dish can be personalized to everyone’s liking. Lentil shepherds pie proves that meals do not need to be boring and complicated to be healthy; it's a tasty example of how easy it is to make nutritious dishes!!
Enjoy! 🙂
xoxo,
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