Hearty Lentil & Sweet Potato Pie with Cauliflower Mash
A comforting and nourishing twist on a classic Shepherd's Pie. This vegetarian version is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it an ideal meal during pregnancy.
1050 calories
$3 per serving
$40 min
2 servings
pregnancy-friendly, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion (approx. 150g), finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato (approx. 300g), peeled and diced
- 240g cooked brown or green lentils (1 can, drained)
- 200g chopped tomatoes
- 150ml vegetable broth
- 100g fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small head of cauliflower (approx. 400g), cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra olive oil for mash
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cauliflower florets in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes until very tender.
- 2.While the cauliflower cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and diced sweet potato, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the potato begins to soften.
- 3.Stir in the drained lentils, chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4.Once the filling has thickened, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Transfer the lentil mixture to a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish.
- 5.Drain the cooked cauliflower well. Return it to the pot and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
- 6.Carefully spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the lentil filling in the baking dish.
- 7.Bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the cauliflower topping is lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
30g
fat
153g
carbs
43g
fiber
42g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is exceptionally nutritious for pregnancy, providing plant-based iron and folate from lentils and spinach, crucial for fetal development. Sweet potato offers vitamin A and fiber, aiding digestion and supporting a healthy, balanced diet.