Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Potato Topping

This meatless shepherd’s pie layers lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables under mashed potatoes. Cooked lentils make it a practical weeknight bake, while dried lentils work if you have time to simmer them. The recipe makes about six servings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils, drained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/3 cup milk or unsweetened alternative
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for the potatoes
• Black pepper and salt to taste

Method

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil the potatoes in water until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter or oil, pepper, and a little salt.

2. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a large skillet. Cook onion and carrots for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, lentils, and broth. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, then fold in peas.

3. Transfer filling to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top and rough the surface with a fork.

4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling around the edges. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Make-ahead and leftovers

Use canned lentils if convenient, draining and rinsing them first. Assemble the filling and topping ahead and refrigerate; add baking time as needed until the center is hot. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Reheat until steaming hot throughout.

Season with rosemary, smoked paprika, or black pepper to taste. A side salad or cooked green vegetable makes an easy accompaniment. Adjust salt to your preference and dietary needs; broth, canned lentils, and other packaged ingredients can vary in sodium.

Sources and further reading

• Beans, Peas, and Lentils — USDA MyPlate.
• 4 Steps to Food Safety — FoodSafety.gov.

Health disclaimer

This article is for general education only. Its information and suggestions are not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and may not be right for everyone. Ask a qualified health professional for advice that fits your health, medications, and needs before changing your diet, exercise, supplement use, or care.