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A cozy, wholesome Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie that features a creamy mashed sweet potato topping over a savory herb-infused lentil filling. This vegan and gluten-free recipe serves about six and is perfect for hearty weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil/vegan butter)
  • 1 large onion, diced (or shallots)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (or zucchini)
  • 2 stalks celery, diced (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed well
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Splash of plant-based milk (optional, for mashed potatoes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender.
  3. While potatoes boil, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  4. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the oil for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  5. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in lentils and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
  7. Lower heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and broth mostly absorbed.
  8. Drain and mash sweet potatoes separately; season with salt, pepper, and a splash of plant-based milk for creaminess.
  9. Layer lentil filling in a baking dish, then spread mashed sweet potatoes over the top evenly.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.
  11. Let rest a few minutes before serving; optionally garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Lentils can be swapped with chickpeas or quinoa as desired., Add extra veggies such as bell peppers, peas, or corn for more color and nutrition., Spice can be added by incorporating jalapeños or red pepper flakes., Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable; oregano or basil are good alternatives., Sweet potatoes can be replaced with roasted butternut squash for a different flavor and texture., Cool leftover pie thoroughly before freezing to prevent freezer burn., Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture; microwave is acceptable for quick reheating., Assemble pie up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time., Use firm sweet potatoes without blemishes for optimal mash texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cozyovenkitchen.com/irresistible-sweet-potato-lentil-shepherds-pie-comfort-food/