Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe?

Lentil Shepherd's Pie Recipe?

Lentils, a humble yet rewarding ingredient, can be found next to the supermarket's dried beans, rice and grains. And while they may look a lot like split peas, this legume has a bit more to offer. Great-for-you and incredibly versatile, lentils are used to create various dishes ranging from salads to plant based burger patties. And while we've tried countless lentil recipes that we love, there's one that stands out amongstlentil shepherd's pie. Savory, filling and full of warmth, Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a vegetarian spin on traditional shepherd's pie that everyone can enjoy. Often used as a substitute for meat, lentils lend a meaty texture to the dish sans animal products when used in shepherd's pie. So, if you're eager to make a shepherd's pie that vegan and vegetarian guests can enjoy, we have just the recipe for you. Read on as we discuss the benefits of lentils and how you can use this super legume to create a savory dish that's overflowing with flavor.

What Are Lentils?

Lentils are quite possibly the oldest cultivated legume in history, with archeological digs having produced artifacts dating lentils back to 8,000 and 7,000BC. Lentils, the dried seeds of the lentil plant, grow in pods, making them a part of the fabaceous family along with beans, peas and peanuts. As a source of protein, lentils are frequently associated with vegetarian cooking and featured as the main ingredient in stews, salads, soups and side dishes.

Benefits of Cooking with Lentils

types of lentil Lentils come in several varieties, and while the nutritional information may vary by type, the immediate benefits of lentils remain the same.

Superfood Qualities

Lentils provide a plant based source of protein and fiber that is unmatched. In fact, just one serving size of our Red Lentils contains 12 grams of protein and 7 grams of dietary fiber. Protein and fiber are a crucial part of a healthy diet and are used to create, repair and protect cells. They also contribute to bone development and a healthy digestive system.

Affordable

Easy to find, and often available in bulk, lentils are an affordable way to cook healthy meals. Additionally, dried lentils have a long shelf life when stored properlyin a dark, cool and dry area. This means that you won't have to worry about them spoiling before you can use the whole bag.

Ideal for Leftovers

Just like lentils are sold in bulk, many of the meals made with this legume can be made in large quantities. Whether you're adding lentils to your meal plan menu or cooking for a large group of people, most lentil-based recipes can be made ahead of time and frozen until you're ready to enjoy them. Any leftovers that you may have can be frozen to enjoy throughout the week. Cooking with lentils is an excellent way to make healthy recipes that last a little longer while saving time and money.

Appreciated Worldwide

Lentils are used in dishes around the world and enjoyed by billions daily. A primary food source throughout the Americas, lentils are so popular that some countries' signature cuisine features lentil-based dishes like India's dal.

Filling

Lentils are a source of fibera carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body. While this may sound like a bad thing, it works in favor of your health. Instead of turning into sugar like many other carbohydrates, fiber helps your body maintain healthy blood sugar levels and provides long-lasting energy without spikes and crashes. In addition, lentils are low on the glycemic index, making them especially valuable for individuals with diabetes.

Eco-Friendly

Lentils don't need much to grow, and when they are grown, they produce much less carbon dioxide than animal-based products like beef. This being so, lentils are one of the greenest crops to develop, especially when you factor in how great they are for you.

Excellent Plant Based Meat Alternative

When transitioning to a plant based diet, finding alternatives for your favorite recipes can be challenging. Incorporating lentils into plant based meals is an easy way to boost the protein content and lower the saturated fat of the dish while also recreating the meaty texture and taste of traditional recipes. And because lentils possess a subtle nutty flavor, they quickly take on the flavor of the spices and herbs they're combined with.

Lentil Shepherds Pie Recipe

Lentil Shepherd's Pie If, after learning about the many benefits of lentils, you're ready to begin cooking with this superfood, we have the perfect recipe for you to start with. A delicious home cooked meal, learning how to make Lentil Shepherd's Pie from scratch will help you fine-tune your baking skills and gain the title of the best plant based cook around. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide to making Lentil Shepherds Pie.

What Is Shepherd's Pie?

If you've never had shepherd's pie before, then you're likely wondering what it is and why it's popular amongst plant based and meat-eaters. Traditional shepherd's pie is a common comfort food thats cooked with lamb. While its a popular recipe, it's not one that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy. So to create a dish that everyone can take a bite out of, we put a plant based spin on shepherd's pie by swapping the lamb out for lentils.

How to Make Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie

With just ten ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering lentil pie recipe in under an hour. No potato masher necessary. Follow the steps below to get started. Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

2 cups Water cup cold Non-Dairy Milk 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes

Filling

1 cup dry Bobs Red Mill Brown Lentils 3 cups Water 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped 2 cups frozen Vegetable Mix 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder 1 tsp Smoked Paprika cup Ketchup 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce 2 tsp A1 Steak Sauce 1 tsp Liquid Smoke 2 Tbsp Arrowroot Starch Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

mashed potatoes

Step One: Mashed Potatoes

You'll want to begin this recipe by making the mashed potatoes first. Bring water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Remove ifrom heat and add non-dairy milk and potato flakes. Gently stir until they create the mashed texture you know and love. Season to your liking and set aside.

Step 2: Lentils

To prepare Bob's Red Mill Brown Lentils, start by adding the dried lentils to a saucepan and combining them with water. Next, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to reduce the water to a simmer. Cover the top of the simmering pot and allow the lentils to cook for about 15 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until soft, 2-3 minutes. Next, add the frozen vegetables and cook about 7 minutes, until they're fully defrosted and partially cooked.

Step 4: Flavor the Filling

Reduce heat to low and add cooked lentils. Stir until both mixtures are thoroughly combined. Then, add smoked paprika, ketchup, garlic powder, soy sauce and liquid smoke. Stir thoroughly.

Step 5: Finish the Filling

Finish the filling by sprinkling a bit of arrowroot powder over the mixture. Then stir until it's thoroughly mixed. Continue stirring until you notice that the filling has thickened in texturethis usually takes about 2 minutes. Taste the filling and add any additional seasonings, such as salt and black pepper, as necessary.

Step 6: Create The Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Before assembling the pie, preheat the oven to 375F. Transfer the lentil filling into an oven-safe baking dish and smooth it out. Then carefully begin to spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the top of the filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Once the allotted time has passed, remove the pie from the oven and turn on the broiler. Place the pie dish back into the oven, allowing the mashed potato topping to turn brown and crispy.

Pie-Perfecting Tips

Vegetarian shepherd's pie While creating this pie is relatively easy, we recommend following the tips below for success.

Lentils

When making this recipe, you may be tempted to try a new type of lentil, but we recommend sticking to brown lentils or green lentils. Other varieties like red lentils might get too soft during the cooking process, resulting in a mushy pie.

Vegetables

This recipe calls for a frozen vegetable mix. However, any combination of vegetables, from frozen peas to cremini mushroom, can be used to create this tasty meal. And if you prefer using fresh vegetables rather than frozen ones, you can do so without jeopardizing the recipe's success. Ready to begin creating this delicious pie recipe? It sounds like it's time to head to the kitchen. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, have a healthy and happy day!
Bob's Red Mill
February 27 2022

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