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Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

This comforting casserole reimagines the classic shepherd’s pie with a hearty lentil and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a satisfying, plant-based dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if preferred.

Ingredients (for 6 servings):

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup cooked lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 3 large potatoes of choice, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 c plant-based milk (or regular milk)
• 2 tbsp butter (or plant-based alternative)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15-20 min. until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the cooked potatoes. Mash until smooth and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-7 min. until softened.
5. Stir in the lentils, peas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 10 min., allowing the flavors to blend and the mixture to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Pour the lentil and vegetable filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, using a fork to create texture if desired.
7. Bake the shepherd’s pie for 25-30 min. until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let cool for 5 min. before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Hungry for more? Check out these The Healthiest Veggies in the World: How Many do You Eat?.

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