Rustic Lentil & Vegetable Pie
This Rustic Lentil & Vegetable Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of lentils, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Inspired by classic Shepherd's Pie, this vegetarian and gluten-free twist is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of tender lentils, rice, and a medley of seasonal veggies creates a satisfying filling, while the buttery mashed potato topping offers a delightful creamy texture. Easy to prepare and brimming with flavor, this dish will leave both vegetarians and meat-lovers wanting more!
N/A
Servings
625
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried brown lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed and drained)
rice (white or brown)
3/4 cup (rinsed)
water
4 cups (for cooking lentils and rice)
vegetable bouillon cubes
4 cubes (to flavor the cooking water)
yukon gold potatoes
6 medium (peeled and quartered)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (for mashing potatoes)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
milk
1/2 cup (for creamy mash)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (fresh or dry, chopped)
thyme
1 teaspoon (fresh or dry, chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing vegetables)
onion
1 large (chopped)
carrots
2 medium (chopped)
yellow squash
1 small (chopped (optional))
frozen peas
1 cup (or fresh if available)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, rice, water, and vegetable bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and rice are tender. Stir in the rosemary and thyme once cooked, then set aside.
3
Meanwhile, in a large pot, place the quartered potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot over low heat.
4
Add the unsalted butter, salt, and milk to the potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired creaminess, then set aside.
5
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the chopped carrots and optional yellow squash, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6
In a large baking dish (around 8x8 inches), spread the lentil and rice mixture evenly across the bottom.
7
Layer the sautéed vegetables over the lentils, followed by the frozen peas.
8
Top the pie with the creamy mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the filling using a rubber spatula or fork to create peaks.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the potatoes are slightly golden.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your wholesome Rustic Lentil & Vegetable Pie!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
90g
Carbs
21g
Protein
11g
Fiber
533mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Lentil & Vegetable Pie?
It is a hearty and comforting dish inspired by classic Shepherd's Pie, featuring lentils, rice, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish that uses lentils and vegetables instead of meat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
There are 625 calories per serving.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for dried brown lentils, rinsed and drained.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use either white or brown rice for the filling.
What type of potatoes are best for the topping?
The recipe recommends using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
How do I flavor the lentils and rice?
The lentils and rice are cooked with vegetable bouillon cubes and seasoned with rosemary and thyme.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes onions, carrots, optional yellow squash, and frozen peas.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long do the lentils and rice take to cook?
They should be simmered for about 20 minutes until tender.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender.
What size baking dish should I use?
A large baking dish approximately 8x8 inches in size is recommended.
How long does the pie need to bake in the oven?
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 21g of protein.
Is there a lot of fiber in this recipe?
Yes, it is high in fiber with 11g per serving.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, you can make this dish vegan.
What is the fat content of this pie?
The dish contains 23g of fat per serving.
How much sodium is in the recipe?
The recipe contains 533mg of sodium per serving.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The instructions recommend peeling and quartering the Yukon Gold potatoes before boiling.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, carrots, and squash for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if they are available.
How do I create the potato topping?
Mash the boiled potatoes with butter, milk, and salt, then spread them over the filling using a spatula or fork to create peaks.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering with foil ensures the filling heats through without the potato topping browning too quickly.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is ready when the filling is hot and the potato topping is slightly golden.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 90g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the yellow squash mandatory?
No, the yellow squash is an optional ingredient.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve.
How should I serve the Rustic Lentil & Vegetable Pie?
Let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, then serve it hot.