Mushroom and Lentil Cottage Pie

• 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2 In a large pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
3. 3 While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
4. 4 Add mushrooms to the skillet, cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5 Drain lentils and stir into the mushroom mixture. Transfer to a baking dish.
6. 6 Boil diced potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter until smooth.
7. 7 Spread mashed potatoes over the lentil mixture. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. 8 Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Variations

• Add a layer of sautéed spinach to the filling.
• Top with grated cheddar for a cheesy crust.

Substitutions

• Use canned lentils if you're short on time.
• Substitute almond milk for a nutty flavor.

Pairings

• Crusty bread
• A glass of red wine

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, toast the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the skillet.
• If you have time, let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to settle.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• A simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli

FAQ