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Lentil Shepherdless Pie

A vegetarian twist on the classic shepherd's pie. Green lentils and vegetables in a rich gravy topped with creamy mash - proper comfort food for under 70p a portion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: british

Ingredients
  

  • 200g dried green lentils
  • 700g potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • 30g butter
  • 50ml milk
  • 50g cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Rinse the lentils and cook them in boiling water for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain well.
  3. Mash the potatoes with the butter, milk and half the cheese. Season well and set aside.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and carrots, cook for 5 minutes until softening.
  5. Add the garlic, rosemary and tomato puree. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, stock and Worcestershire sauce. Add the drained lentils and stir well. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season generously.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6. Spoon the lentil mixture into an ovenproof dish. Top with the mashed potato and spread it out evenly. Fork the top and scatter over the remaining cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.