Vegan Lentil Sweet Potato Pie (Print version)
Savory lentils and vegetables topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Sweet Potato Topping
01 - 3.3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
04 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Lentil Filling
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 large onion, diced
07 - 2 carrots, diced
08 - 2 celery stalks, diced
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1.5 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
13 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
16 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
17 - 1 cup frozen peas
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with olive oil or vegan butter and plant-based milk. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
03 - While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and mixture thickens. Add water if needed.
05 - Stir in peas, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
06 - Transfer lentil filling to a large baking dish. Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the top, spreading evenly.
07 - Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Bake for 20 minutes, or until topping is slightly golden.
08 - Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It is the kind of meal that leaves everyone feeling full and happy without feeling heavy.
- The combination of savory lentils and sweet potatoes creates layers of flavor you just do not get in a standard meat pie.
02 -
- Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well otherwise the filling will end up too soupy.
- I learned the hard way that the lentils continue to absorb liquid so do not reduce the sauce too much.
03 -
- A splash of balsamic vinegar added to the lentil filling deepens the flavor profile significantly.
- Rough up the surface of the potatoes with a fork to get extra crispy peaks in the oven.