Description
A comforting lentil shepherd’s pie with roasted butternut squash and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty meal.
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, adds depth)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Combine lentils and vegetable broth in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, spread it on a baking sheet, and roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
- Add the roasted squash to the skillet and mash slightly while cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Fold in the drained lentils, simmering together for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Transfer the lentil filling to a baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with prepared mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a different flavor, consider substituting butternut squash with sweet potato or using canned lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg