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 for a Sunday family dinner and was amazed by how quickly everyone asked for seconds. Even the meat-lovers were happily digging in, enjoying the rich lentil filling and the velvety sweet potato mash.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, for creamy mash
- Olive oil or vegan butter: Adds richness to mash
- Non-dairy milk: Unsweetened, or regular milk
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning
- Olive oil: For sautéing veggies
- Onion: Finely diced
- Carrots: Diced
- Celery: Diced
- Garlic: Minced
- Lentils: Cooked brown or green, or canned
- Frozen peas: Adds sweetness
- Vegetable broth: For moisture and flavor
- Tomato paste: For depth
- Soy sauce or tamari: For umami (use tamari for gluten-free)
- Dried thyme: Aromatic seasoning
- Dried rosemary: Earthy herbal flavor
- Smoked paprika: For warmth
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Sweet Potatoes:
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Add olive oil (or vegan butter) and non-dairy milk, mash until smooth and creamy. Season to taste, set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet; sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute, stirring.
- Make Filling:
- Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth; simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Add Peas:
- Add peas, cook 2 minutes more, and season to taste.
- Assemble Pie:
- Spread lentil mixture in baking dish, top with sweet potato mash, cover evenly.
- Finish Mash:
- Create mash ridges with fork, drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake 15-20 minutes until top is golden and filling bubbles.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest shortly before serving.
Save Shepherds pie night brings our family together every time, with the kitchen filling with happy chatter as we scoop out hearty servings.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, potato masher, skillet, baking dish, mixing spoon, knife, and cutting board are all you need for prep.
Allergen Information
This dish contains soy (from soy sauce) and is gluten-free if tamari is used. Always check your non-dairy milk and broth labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 390 calories, 8 g fat, 68 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.
Save This vegan shepherds pie is perfect for cozy weeknights and potlucks. Serve with a crisp green salad for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, swapping sweet potatoes for regular potatoes will still yield a creamy topping with a slightly different flavor profile.
- → How do I make the mash extra creamy?
Adding a splash of non-dairy milk or vegan butter while mashing helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
- → What lentils work best for the filling?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture suitable for the filling.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and mash separately, assemble before baking, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- → How do I ensure the topping crisps nicely in the oven?
Drizzling a bit of olive oil over the mash and baking until golden encourages a light, crisp surface.