Description
A delightful and nutritious plant-based shepherd’s pie featuring lentils and butternut squash, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (for cooking lentils)
- 1 small butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided, for roasting and sautéing)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a large saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and lay on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until soft.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
- Combine Squash and Lentils: Add roasted squash to the skillet, mashing slightly as you mix with onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Pie: Drain excess liquid from cooked lentils if necessary. Fold lentils into squash mixture and let simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Transfer filling into a baking dish and spread evenly. Top with prepared mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. For extra browning, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Great for making ahead and perfect for leftovers. You can customize with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg