Hearty Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
A comforting and nutritious vegetarian twist on a classic. A savory lentil and vegetable base is topped with a creamy, vibrant sweet potato and cauliflower mash, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
1750 calories
$2 per serving
$70 min
4 servings
vegetarian, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 200g brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 500g sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 300g cauliflower florets
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800ml vegetable broth
- 45ml olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 1.Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place the sweet potato cubes and cauliflower florets in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes until very tender.
- 2.While the topping cooks, heat 15ml of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 3.Stir in the tomato paste and spices (cumin, paprika, coriander) and cook for 1 minute. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth, then bring to a simmer.
- 4.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5.Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and cauliflower well. Return them to the pot and mash until smooth, stirring in the remaining 30ml of olive oil, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- 6.Spread the lentil filling evenly in a 2-liter baking dish. Spoon the sweet potato and cauliflower mash over the top and create a textured surface with a fork.
- 7.Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Nutrition Information
45g
fat
290g
carbs
53g
fiber
68g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is a powerhouse of plant-based nutrition. Lentils provide excellent protein and fiber for sustained energy, while the sweet potato and cauliflower topping is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It's a balanced, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal.