# Components:
→ Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 2.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk or regular milk
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Lentil Filling
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 large onion, finely diced
07 - 2 carrots, diced
08 - 2 celery stalks, diced
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils, drained and rinsed if canned
11 - 1 cup frozen peas
12 - 1 cup vegetable broth
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
02 - Cook the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes; drain thoroughly.
03 - Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot, add olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk, then mash until smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper.
04 - While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
07 - Add frozen peas, stir well, and cook for an additional 2 minutes; adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
08 - Spread the lentil filling evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish, then top with the sweet potato mash, spreading gently to cover.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges in the sweet potato topping if desired and drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispness.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling bubbles.
11 - Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
