Lentil Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Lentil Shepherds Pie With Sweet Potato Topping

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Fiber | 15-20g |
Recipe Introduction: Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping: A High Fiber Dinner Recipes Delight
Fancy a bit of healthy comfort food recipes ? Ever get that craving for something warming and proper British, but without all the guilt? Well, oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! This Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping is where it's at.
This beauty is a vegetarian twist on the classic shepherd's pie. It is bursting with high fiber vegetarian meals , savoury lentils, and a creamy sweet potato topping.
Originating from humble British roots, shepherd's pie traditionally used minced lamb and a potato topping. This version elevates it, making it a truly nourishing and easy healthy dinner recipe .
It's a medium-level recipe, so don't be intimidated! Prep takes around 25 minutes, and cooking is about 50 minutes. That is a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes for six generous servings.
Perfect for a easy weekday recipes dinner.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Pie
This recipe isn't just delicious; it's packed with goodness. Lentils are a fantastic source of fiber. Fiber is great for digestion and keeps you feeling full, which is perfect if you're looking for high fiber dinner recipes weight loss .
This pie is also ideal for a cosy night in, or impressing your mates with your British inspired vegetarian recipes .
What makes this recipe special? Honestly, it's the combination of flavors and textures. The earthy lentils with the sweet potato is divine.
Plus, knowing you're eating something that's good for you is always a winner.
Let's dive into what you will need for this tasty easy and healthy meals recipe.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
So, you wanna dive into this Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping ? Brilliant! It's a hearty, healthy, and honestly, really tasty way to get your fill of high fiber dinner recipes .
We're talking proper comfort food levels of satisfaction here. It's an easy healthy dinner recipe that's perfect when you're craving something wholesome but don't wanna spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Ready for your new go-to easy weekday recipes ? I hope so!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
Here's the shopping list, broken down for easy peasy lemon squeezy prep.
- Lentil Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml) – go for extra virgin if you're feeling fancy.
- 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup / 150g) – yellow or white will do the trick.
- 2 carrots, diced (1 cup / 120g) – the fresher, the sweeter.
- 2 celery stalks, diced (½ cup / 75g) – adds a lovely earthy note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp) – don't be shy, go for the good stuff.
- 1 tsp dried thyme (5 ml), 1 tsp dried rosemary (5 ml), ½ tsp smoked paprika (2.5 ml) – gives it that warm, savory depth.
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed (200g) – rinsing is key to avoid mushiness, I tell you!
- 4 cups vegetable broth (950 ml) – low sodium is best.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (400g) – good quality ones make a difference.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30g) – for richness and depth.
- 1 bay leaf – don't forget to remove it later!
- 1 cup frozen peas (100g) – adds a pop of sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste, of course.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (30g) – for garnish, if you're feeling posh.
- Sweet Potato Topping:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (2 lbs / 900g) – look for firm, unblemished ones.
- 2 tbsp milk (30ml) – dairy or non-dairy, your call!
- 2 tbsp butter (30g) – again, dairy or non-dairy works.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- Optional: Pinch of nutmeg – gives it a cozy vibe.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika are essential. They create that lovely British inspired vegetarian recipes flavor profile. A bay leaf adds depth, but remember to fish it out before serving! For a bit of a kick, a pinch of chili flakes wouldn't go amiss.
If you're short on herbs, mixed herbs will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!
Honestly, you don't need fancy gear. A large Dutch oven or pot is perfect for the lentil base. A potato masher or electric mixer will make light work of the sweet potato topping.
And a 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for assembling the pie. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large saucepan will do.
If you don't have a masher, a fork works just fine.
Remember, this recipe is all about those easy and healthy meals . You can adapt it to what you have in your kitchen.
Now let's move on to prep! And remember that the dish is naturally suited for someone that wants high fiber vegetarian meals, Lentil Recipes High Fiber , Sweet Potato Recipes Dinner , and a Healthy Comfort Food Recipes suitable for High Fiber Dinner Recipes Weight Loss .
Cooking Method: Baking Our High-Fiber Delight
I'm so excited to share this recipe. It's all about baking our Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping. We are on a mission to find easy healthydinner recipes , especially high fiber dinner recipes ! Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm just throwing things together and hoping for the best.
But trust me, this one is a winner. Think of it as one of those easy and healthy meals that’s secretly good for you.
We all want healthy comfort food recipes , right?
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Okay, first things first. Get your mise en place sorted. Chop those veggies – one large onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Rinse one cup of brown or green lentils. Peel and cube two large sweet potatoes, about 2 pounds worth.
It sounds like a lot. Honestly, it's therapeutic. The more you are organized now, the better result will be and faster to get the whole process done.
Step-by-Step Process: From Hob to Oven
Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Mash them with 2 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set this aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook until fragrant.
Cook the Lentils: Stir in the lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can (14.5 ounce) of diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and a bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender. This takes about 30 minutes .
Add Peas and Season: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the lentil mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato topping evenly.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , or until the topping is lightly golden brown.
The smell is going to drive you mad.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pie
Want to kick it up a notch? Roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. This intensifies the flavour. A common mistake is overcrowding the baking dish.
Make sure the lentil layer isn't too thick. For make-ahead options, prepare the lentil base and sweet potato topping separately.
Assemble and bake just before serving. Now you know the Easy Weekday Recipes secret! Plus, this is a great source of Lentil Recipes High Fiber .
And even a nice way to use Sweet Potato Recipes Dinner , that will give you your High Fiber Vegetarian Meals that you need! If you try to lose weight, this will work for High Fiber Dinner Recipes Weight Loss , and it will also be a British Inspired Vegetarian Recipes .
Recipe Notes
Okay, so you're about to tackle this Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping. Honestly, it's easier than it looks! These little nuggets will help you smash it!
Serving Up Some Deliciousness
Let's talk presentation, yeah? For plating, I love to serve this in individual ramekins. It looks super fancy but is so simple.
A sprig of fresh parsley on top makes it pop. As for sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely.
Crusty bread is another winner. Perfect for mopping up that saucy goodness. Steamed greens are also good.
Storing Like A Pro
Got leftovers? No worries. This pie keeps well. Let it cool completely. Then, bung it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven for 20- 25 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) , or until heated through.
You can also microwave it. But the oven gives it a nice crisp topping.
Tweaks and Swaps
Want to shake things up? No problem. For a vegetarian option, just double-check your broth is veggie-friendly. For a gluten-free version, make sure your vegetable stock is gluten-free.
You can use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives. Swap out the peas for sweetcorn or green beans. These are great seasonal ingredient swaps .
Nutrition Nuggets
Each serving is packed with goodness. We are talking about 350-400 calories. It is also high in protein, and high fiber! , and around 15-20g of fiber per serving.
This dish is great for your gut. It also keeps you feeling full for longer. High Fiber Vegetarian Meals like this one are a great way to sneak in your easyhealthydinner recipes ! High fiber dinner recipes are the cornerstone of easy weekday recipes and healthy comfort food recipes .
I try to sneak in high fiber dinner recipes weight loss because a dish like this can satisfy you without lots of calories.
This healthy dinner quick recipe is a winner, I promise! Feel free to substitute with sweet potato recipes dinner or experiment with lentil recipes high fiber .
So, go on! Give it a go! You've got this. You will have some easy and healthy meals on the table in no time! And who knows, maybe this will become one of your British inspired vegetarian recipes go-to's!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Lentil Shepherd's Pie recipe difficult to make? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen!
Not at all! This Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a medium-difficulty recipe, so it’s perfect for a weekend cook or a confident beginner. It involves a couple of stages - the lentil base and the sweet potato topping - but each step is straightforward.
Think of it as a pleasant Sunday afternoon project, not a pressure test on Bake Off!
How long does it take to make this high fiber dinner recipes, start to finish? I'm always short on time!
From chopping the veggies to pulling it out of the oven, you're looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Prep time is around 25 minutes, and the cooking/baking takes about 50 minutes. You can save time by prepping the vegetables in advance – like doing it the night before while watching EastEnders!
Can I freeze this Lentil Shepherd's Pie? I'm all about batch cooking these days!
Absolutely! This pie freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
It's like having a home-cooked meal on demand, even better than getting a takeaway!
I'm not a huge fan of sweet potatoes. Can I use regular potatoes for the topping?
Definitely! While the sweet potato topping adds a lovely sweetness and extra nutrients, you can easily substitute it with regular mashed potatoes. Just peel and boil your potatoes as usual, then mash them with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
You could even add a bit of cheese for extra flavour - because, let's face it, cheese makes everything better, doesn't it?
Are there any variations I can make to this recipe to make it more exciting? I am looking for some unique high fiber dinner recipes.
You bet! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. For a spicy kick, add a chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lentil base. Other veggie additions like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach work great.
Think of it as your chance to become the next Jamie Oliver and put your own spin on a classic!
How can I make this recipe vegan?
It's super easy to adapt this recipe to be fully vegan! Simply use a plant-based milk alternative (like almond or soy milk) and a vegan butter substitute for the sweet potato topping. Also, make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
Now you've got a delicious and ethical vegan meal to rival anything you'd find at a fancy vegan restaurant!