Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Craving a comforting lentils recipe? My lentil shepherd's pie with sweet potato topping is a modern twist on a British classic! Easy enough for weeknights, guaranteed to please. Get the recipe!

Right then, let's talk shepherd's pie! ever get that craving for something proper comforting? you know, the kind of meal that just hugs you from the inside out? that's where this amazing lentils recipe comes in.

Forget boring weeknight dinners; we’re levelling up the humble lentil!

A Shepherd's Pie With a Twist

This isn't your nan's shepherd's pie. okay, maybe it is if your nan's a bit of a culinary rebel! we're taking the classic british comfort food and giving it a healthy, vegetarian makeover.

I mean, who doesn't love a good healthy crustless quiche ? and this is similar! think hearty lentils simmering away, topped with a creamy sweet potato mash.

Absolutely divine.

This lentils recipe is inspired by the traditional shepherd's pie, a dish with roots deep in british farming culture. it’s generally considered medium difficulty because you need to time things right, but honestly? it's easier than making a full-on roast dinner.

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a batch cooking session.

Why You'll Love This Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Honestly? it's the perfect weeknight dinner. it's filling, packed with protein and fibre from the lentils, and sneaks in loads of veggies.

The sweet potato topping is a great way to add a bit of sweetness and extra nutrients. plus, it's a winner at family gatherings.

Nobody will miss the meat, promise! it is such an easy breakfast idea . i mean, can you believe it can be part of breakfast casseroles ? that is just perfect.

What makes this lentils recipe so special? it's the combination of earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and that creamy sweet potato topping.

Honestly, the flavours are just incredible. plus, it's a fantastic way to get a good dose of plant-based protein and fibre into your diet.

Trust me; you'll be making this one again and again. now, let's get to the ingredients! you know, a crustless quiche topping.

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for this banging lentils recipe ! Making a lentil shepherd's pie is easier than you think. Honestly, it's total comfort food.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Don't stress, you don't need fancy stuff! I always try to keep it simple.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven : This is your main workstation. A big pot works too.
• Potato Masher : For that creamy sweet potato topping.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish : Where the magic happens.

No need to panic if you don't have a dutch oven. just use a regular large pot! works just fine.

A fork can mash the potatoes. just takes a bit more elbow grease.

The Stars of the Show: Main Ingredients

Let's break down what you'll need, and why it matters.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality olive oil makes a difference.
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g) . Yellow or brown is great.
• Carrots: 2, peeled and diced (approx. 1 cup or 120g) . Fresh, crisp carrots are key!
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced (approx. 1 cup or 100g) . Adds that lovely depth of flavour.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (approx. 2 tsp or 6g) . Fresh is best, always!
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds that classic savoury note.
• Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . A little goes a long way.
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . For that subtle smoky kick.
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to remove it before serving!
• Brown or Green Lentils: 1 cup, rinsed (approx. 200g) . Brown lentils cook faster.
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (approx. 950ml) . Low sodium is usually better.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (approx. 400g) . Tinned tomatoes are fine.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml or 30g) . Adds richness and depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Makes the lentil flavour pop.
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed (approx. 900g) . Get nice orange ones!
• Milk: ¼ cup (or plant-based milk) (60 ml) . Any milk will do!
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (or vegan butter) (30g) . Adds richness to the topping.

Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes

This is where you can really put your own spin on things. i sometimes love a healthy crustless quiche , or any quiche recipes easy , but today is all about lentil.

You know?

• Essential Spice Combo: Thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika. These are your base notes.
• Flavor Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce is chef's kiss . So good!
• Quick Subs: No Worcestershire? Soy sauce works in a pinch.

Honestly, the smell of thyme and rosemary simmering away takes me right back to mum's kitchen.

A Word About Quiche Recipes Crustless

While we're focusing on lentils recipe today, let's give a little shout out to one of my favourite easy breakfast ideas ! you can quickly whip up a crustless quiche , making it a superb option when you are considering breakfast quiche recipes or a breakfast low carb alternative to kickstart your day.

Maybe one day i will try to adapt this recipe for lentils..

Anyway, back to the lentils recipe at hand! I hope you're ready to get cooking!

Alright, let's talk Lentil Shepherd's Pie! It's like a hug in a dish, innit? Perfect for those days when the weather's a bit rubbish and you just want something proper comforting.

Cooking Method: Building a Cracking Lentil Shepherd's Pie

This isn't just any old meal; it's a hearty vegetarian twist on a british classic. we're talking earthy lentils, sweet potato topping, the whole shebang.

Don’t worry, this lentils recipe is easier than you think!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, chop everything up. onions, carrots, celery – get it all diced. mince that garlic like you mean it! it's all about the mise en place , love.

Having everything ready saves time. seriously, trust me on this one. also, always remember your safety and your veggie wash.

Step-by-Step: From Humble Lentils to Hearty Pie

Okay, let's get cooking!

1. Sauté your onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they're soft. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
2. Chuck in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook for a minute until it smells amazing.
3. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30- 40 minutes , or until the lentils are tender. Remember some lentils take longer to cook than others
5. Meanwhile, boil your sweet potatoes until they're soft. Mash them with milk, butter, and nutmeg.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the lentil mixture. Pour it into a baking dish.
7. Spread that sweet potato topping on top.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbling.

Pro Tips: Shepherd's Pie Secrets

• Don't overcook the lentils! Mushy lentils? No thank you!
• Want a browner topping? Whack it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end. Watch it like a hawk, though.
• Get ahead by making the lentil base the day before. Store it in the fridge and assemble when you're ready.
• This dish also has many other options, if you're on a diet and looking for Breakfast Low Carb meals, you can serve it without the crust.
• It works as a dish to serve during family reunions, or maybe create some Easy Breakfast Ideas .
• If you are looking for a quick recipe, you can try some Quiche Recipes Easy or some Breakfast Quiche Recipes .
• If you're not into crust, you can look for some Quiche Recipes Crustless , it's a very popular dish.
• Some people, as a matter of fact, instead of the traditional pie, they are making Breakfast Casseroles , which are very similar to the pie.
• If you want a great vegetarian dish, without the carbs, you can also try the Healthy Crustless Quiche or a Breakfast Quiche .

See? Easy peasy! And blooming delicious. You'll love it, I promise.

Alright, let's talk this lentils recipe , yeah? the lentil shepherd's pie is proper good! but before you tuck in, let's chew over a few extra bits.

It's not just about the cooking; it's about making it your own.

Recipe Notes

So, you've made your lentil shepherd's pie , that's brilliant! it's a great alternative if you are looking for easy breakfast ideas , or something similar to breakfast casseroles , here’s a couple of notes to make the most out of your creation.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Good !

Honestly, half the fun is how you plate it up, innit? get a nice scoop of that lentils recipe shepherd's pie.

Maybe add a sprig of fresh rosemary. fancy! for a cracking good time serve with steamed green beans. a dollop of yoghurt on top is also lush.

A green salad adds some crunch. think about the colours, yeah? makes it even more appealing.

Storage Tips: Don't Let It Go to Waste!

Right, so you've got leftovers. lucky you! pop it in the fridge asap. it'll be good for about 3 days.

You can freeze it too! just make sure it's properly cooled first. when you reheat it, just whack it in the oven till it's piping hot.

Always make sure it's steaming before you serve it, yeah? especially important.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!

Fancy a change? if you are trying out some quiche recipes easy , you could add some spices. a bit of chilli flakes? boom! for the breakfast low carb gang, you can lower the carbs.

Reduce the sweet potato and add cauliflower mash on top. it is almost like a healthy crustless quiche or breakfast quiche recipes .

Seasonal swaps? swede in the winter, courgette in the summer. get creative!

Nutrition Basics: Good For You, Mate!

Right then, so this shepherd's pie is not just tasty. it's good for you too. each serving of this lentils recipe contains 350 calories (estimated).

You are also getting 15g of protein and loads of fibre! that’ll keep you full for ages. plus, lentils are great for your gut.

It is almost like a breakfast quiche or crustless quiche . healthy and delicious. what's not to love?

So there you have it! a cracking lentils recipe and some handy tips. now get in the kitchen and have a bit of fun! honestly, don't worry about messing up.

Cooking is all about experimenting, innit? you got this! plus, now you know how to rustle up a belter, should you search for quiche recipes crustless or another lentils recipe again!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my lentils from turning to mush in this lentils recipe?

Ah, the dreaded mushy lentils! The key is to avoid overcooking them. Different types of lentils cook at different rates – brown lentils generally cook in 30-40 minutes, while green lentils can take longer. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark and remember they should be tender but still hold their shape, a bit like pasta cooked al dente.

Can I make this lentil shepherd's pie recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This lentil shepherd's pie is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the lentil base a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply prepare the sweet potato topping, assemble the pie, and pop it in the oven. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, a bit like prepping your Sunday roast on a Saturday.

What can I substitute for the Worcestershire sauce in this lentils recipe to make it fully vegetarian/vegan?

Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies, so to keep this lentil shepherd's pie vegetarian/vegan, you'll need a substitute. A great alternative is a dash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to add a bit of umami depth. Alternatively, you can find vegetarian or vegan Worcestershire sauce alternatives in most supermarkets these days; think of them as the meat-free mince of the sauce world.

My sweet potato topping is a bit bland. How can I spice it up?

Don't worry, a bland sweet potato topping is a common issue! A little nutmeg goes a long way in adding warmth and depth. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a drizzle of maple syrup for some extra sweetness. Think of it like jazzing up your mash with a bit of personality – channel your inner Jamie Oliver!

How do I store leftover lentil shepherd's pie?

Leftover lentil shepherd's pie is perfect for lunch the next day! Simply allow it to cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage - perfect for a batch cooking session like Mrs. Beeton would approve.

Is this lentils recipe healthy?

You bet! This lentil shepherd's pie is packed with nutrients. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a balanced meal that's both satisfying and good for you, a bit like a "five-a-day" disguised as comfort food.

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