Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Looking for a hearty and healthy dinner option? Look no further than this Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie recipe! Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, this dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 4 cups of mashed potatoes

The star of this dish is the lentils, which are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. They're also a great way to add bulk and texture to the filling. Make sure to rinse and drain the lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

This recipe is packed with veggies, including onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and peas. Feel free to mix and match with your favorite veggies - mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers would all be great additions. Make sure to dice the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

The crowning glory of this dish is the mashed potato topping. Use your favorite recipe for mashed potatoes, but make sure to add plenty of butter and cream for richness. Top with cheese and herbs for extra flavor and texture.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet or Dutch oven. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the filling is thick and saucy.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
7. Transfer the lentil and vegetable filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delicious Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread. It's a perfect dish for cozy nights in or for serving to a crowd. Your family and friends will love the hearty flavors and comforting textures of this classic dish with a vegetarian twist.