Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cooked lentils
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes until the lentils are heated through.
5. Transfer the lentil mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. In the meantime, prepare the mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe.
7. Spread the mashed potatoes over the lentil mixture in the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the lentil and mashed potato mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the lentil and mashed potato mixture.
10. Bake the Lentil Shepherd's Pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 630mg
Total carbohydrates: 53g
Dietary fiber: 12g
Total sugars: 7g
Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of lentils for this recipe, such as green, brown, or red lentils.
- You can substitute the carrots, celery, and onions with any other vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- If you don't have tomato paste, you can use ketchup or tomato sauce instead.
- If you don't have soy sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce or tamari instead.
- You can use any type of cheese you like for the topping, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
Variations:
- You can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro, to the lentil mixture for extra flavor.
- You can add some chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, to the mashed potato topping for extra crunch.
- You can add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to the lentil mixture for extra protein and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- You can make the lentil mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble the Shepherd's Pie just before baking.
- You can freeze the Shepherd's Pie before baking for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe, or make a fresh batch using your favorite recipe.
- You can use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the mashed potatoes over the lentil mixture for a fancier presentation.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover Lentil Shepherd's Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftover Shepherd's Pie in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Lentil Shepherd's Pie in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Garnish the Shepherd's Pie with some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
Pairings:
- Serve the Lentil Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted broccoli or cauliflower
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lentil mixture is too dry, add some vegetable broth or water to moisten it.
- If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add some milk or butter to loosen them.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lentils and vegetables thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store the leftover Shepherd's Pie in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking to avoid any bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish made with minced meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The vegetarian version, made with lentils, is a modern twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
- The Lentil Shepherd's Pie is savory, hearty, and comforting. The lentils provide a meaty texture and flavor, while the mashed potatoes add creaminess and richness.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Lentil Shepherd's Pie hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
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