Vegetarian Curried Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)

Ingredients

Pan For Baking:

Onion, Carrot and Garlic For Filling:

Potato For Filling:

Spices For The Filling:

Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils):

Remaining Ingredients For Filling:

Salt For Filling:

Potatoes For Topping Mixture:

Flour and Spices For Potato Mixture:

Cheddar Cheese For Potato Mixture:

Onion, Butter and Egg For Potato Mixture:

Panko Mixture To Sprinkle Over Potato Topping:

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat.
  3. Add onion and chopped carrot to skillet and cook until a nice golden brown color; about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic to skillet and cook and additional minute.
  5. Add the red potatoes and the spices, tossing to coat the vegetables.
  6. In a fine mesh colander pick through and rinse the black lentils.
  7. Add the black lentils, water, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and frozen peas to the skillet, mixing to incorporate.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, turn the heat down to low and cover. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  9. Add the salt after the lentil mixture has cooked. This will allow the lentils to cook without becoming tough and chewy.
  10. Transfer the lentil mixture to a 2½-quart oven proof oval casserole dish; set aside. See the comments section below concerning baking dish.
  11. Prepare the Potato Topping:
  12. Peel potatoes and cut into small cubes.
  13. Place potato cubes in a medium-sized saucepan.
  14. Immerse in water.
  15. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until easily pierced with a sharp knife; about 10 minutes.
  16. Remove the cooked potatoes from heat, drain, mash, and set aside.
  17. Whisk together flour and spices in a medium-sized bowl.
  18. Toss in shredded cheddar cheese.
  19. Add shredded onion, melted butter and egg to cheddar cheese mixture; mix to incorporate.
  20. Add potatoes to bowl and mix in.
  21. Finish Assembling The Pie:
  22. Spoon the potato mixture over the meat filling.
  23. Use a spatula to gently spread the potato mixture over the meat filling.
  24. In a small bowl mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter.
  25. Sprinkle panko crumbs over the top of the potato mixture.
  26. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the lentil mixture is bubbling around the edges of the pan.

Comments

What are beluga lentils? These small, black lentils are commonly found in foods made in Asia and the Mediterranean. The name beluga lentil comes from their resemblance to Beluga caviar.

Why cook with beluga lentils? These small lentils are packed with protein and hold their shape when cooked. They are firmer in texture than traditional red, brown and green lentils.

Where can beluga lentils be purchased? Dried beluga lentils are often found in the dried bean section or in the bulk food section of specialty grocery stores.

This vegetarian version of the classic Shepherd's or Cottage Pie is packed with flavor and high in protein and fiber.

The pie can be baked in the skillet used for preparing the lentil mixture as long as the skillet is oven-proof. The pie can also be baked in a 10-inch deep dish pie pan.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 6 months.

Click here for Curried Meat Shepherds Pie.

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