Canadian Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Lentils

Name: Canadian Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Lentils
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup Green or brown Lentils; 3 cups Vegetable Broth; 2 cloves, minced Garlic; 1 medium, finely chopped Onion; 2 medium, diced Red Carrots; 2 stalks, diced Celery; 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 4 tablespoons Salted Butter; 2 lb, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold recommended) Potatoes; 1/2 cup Milk; To taste Salt; To taste Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Vegetarian); 1 cup Frozen Peas

A hearty vegetarian shepherd's pie with a rich lentil and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

1 cup Green or brown Lentils
3 cups Vegetable Broth
2 cloves, minced Garlic
1 medium, finely chopped Onion
2 medium, diced Red Carrots
2 stalks, diced Celery
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
4 tablespoons Salted Butter
2 lb, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold recommended) Potatoes
1/2 cup Milk
To taste Salt
To taste Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Vegetarian)
1 cup Frozen Peas

Instructions

Rinse lentils and combine with vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid overcooking.
While lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetable filling. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add cooked lentils, frozen peas, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, boil potatoes until tender. Drain well and return to the pot. Mash with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes.
Transfer lentil and vegetable filling to a baking dish. Spread evenly.
Top with mashed potatoes, creating decorative swirls with a fork.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Cuisine: Canadian

Suitability: vegetarian

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Serving Size: 3

Meal Type: dinner