Combining my plant-based nutrition credentials with a love of traditional comfort dishes, I perfected this vegan shepherd’s pie. Protein-rich lentils and savory veggies simmer in a rosemary-thyme gravy, crowned by creamy sweet potato mash. It’s ideal for colder months, batch-cooking, or anyone craving warming, meat-free satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mash:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons vegan butter
2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk
Pinch ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook Lentils
In a saucepan, cover lentils with water; simmer 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Make Filling
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet, heat oil over medium; sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, 5–6 minutes.
Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, cooked lentils, broth, and herbs.
Simmer until thickened, 8–10 minutes. Season well.
Prepare Sweet Potato Mash
Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, 15 minutes. Drain and mash with vegan butter, plant milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble & Bake
Spoon lentil filling into a baking dish; spread mash evenly on top.
Bake 20 minutes until edges bubble and mash edges begin to brown.
Serve
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Expert Notes
Lentil Variety: Use French lentils for firmer texture.
Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake before serving.
Flavor Boost: Stir 1 teaspoon soy or tamari into filling for umami depth.
Why You’ll Love It
Balanced Nutrition: Fiber and protein from lentils; complex carbs from sweet potatoes.
Rich Comfort: Savory-sweet interplay delights the palate.
Plant-Forward: Satisfying vegan take on a timeless classic.
Conclusion
This vegan lentil shepherd’s pie with sweet potato mash exemplifies how plant-based eating can be comforting and wholesome. With clear steps, expert tips