ecipe: Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd's Pie

 

Ingredients:

For the Lentil Filling:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentil Filling:

   • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

   • Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
   • Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork. Add butter and milk (or vegetable broth) and continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Make the Lentil Vegetable Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in cooked lentils and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:

   • Transfer the lentil vegetable filling to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the lentil filling.
   • If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for added flavor.

6. Bake:

   • Place the assembled shepherd's pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve the vegetarian lentil shepherd's pie hot as a comforting and hearty meal.

8. Enjoy!

   • Enjoy the comforting flavors of this vegetarian lentil shepherd's pie, perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.