Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Name: Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 2 cups cooked lentils; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup vegetable broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish. It's hearty and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner. This version swaps meat for lentils, adding a spiced kick and a vibrant mashed sweet potato topping.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, adding a light flavor and helping to bring out their natural sweetness. Onion and garlic form the base of the dish, providing an aromatic depth. The spices—cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper—infuse the lentils with warmth and a bit of heat. Carrots and bell peppers add texture and a touch of sweetness. Lentils are the star, offering a hearty, protein-packed base. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste contribute tanginess and richness, while vegetable broth keeps everything moist. For the topping, sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that complements the spices, mashed with milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg for creaminess and warmth. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish just before serving.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a bit more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Use different color bell peppers for a more vibrant pie.
Make the filling ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to two days.
For a creamier mash, use half-and-half instead of milk.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. You might also enjoy it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils?: Yes, canned lentils work just as well. Be sure to drain and rinse them before using.
Are there substitutes for sweet potatoes?: You can use regular potatoes or even cauliflower mash if you prefer.

Spiced Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready to go once you’ve assembled the pie. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they're soft and fragrant. It usually takes about five minutes for them to get nice and tender.

Next, add in the ground cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir them around for about a minute to release their aromas. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a spice market!

Stir the diced carrots and bell peppers into the skillet. Cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch. This gives a nice texture to your pie.

Add the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the lentil mixture simmers, move on to the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they're tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain and mash them with the milk, butter, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Now, it’s time to assemble. Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish. Then, gently top it with the mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing them out with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Richly spiced filling that's bursting with flavor.
Healthy alternative to traditional Shepherd's Pie.
Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Easy to prepare and great for meal prepping.
Comfort food with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup bell peppers, diced

2 cups cooked lentils

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup milk

2 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until soft.

3. Add cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in carrots and bell peppers; cook until slightly softened.

5. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes until tender. Drain.

8. Mash sweet potatoes with milk, butter, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

9. Spread the lentil mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed sweet potatoes.