Sweet potato and lentil shepherd’s pie

A colourful plant-based take on shepherd’s pie: a base of lentils simmered with vegetables, topped with sweet potato mash baked until golden. Rich in plant protein and fibre, it is a comforting family dish that appeals even to meat lovers.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 35 min  |  Servings: 4  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 324 kcal · 10 g protein · 48 g carbohydrate · 8 g fat

Ingredients

• 200 g green lentils
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• thyme, salt, pepper

Method

1. Cook the lentils for 20 minutes. Steam the sweet potatoes and mash them with a drizzle of oil.
2. Soften the diced onion and carrots, add the cooked lentils and tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes with the thyme.
3. Pour the lentil mixture into a dish and cover with the sweet potato mash.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 200°C (180°C fan), until the top is golden.

Nutritional benefits

This plant-based pie replaces minced meat with lentils, a source of plant protein, iron and above all fibre, for a very filling dish with a controlled glycaemic index. The sweet potato mash provides complex carbohydrate, beta-carotene and sweetness, without the butter of a classic mash. The vegetables round out the fibre and vitamins. A complete, inexpensive, 100% plant-based dish that reconciles indulgence and balance.

Variations and substitutions

• Mixed mash: sweet potato with potato or with carrot.
• More indulgent: a little grated cheese on top (not vegan).
• With mushrooms for a more “meaty” flavour.
• With red lentils for faster cooking.

Storage and making ahead

This pie keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freezes very well: make a big batch for ready-made dinners. Reheat in the oven to crisp up the top again. An excellent batch-cooking dish.

💡 Good to know

For a nicely golden topping, finish under the grill for a few minutes at the end of cooking. Season the lentil base generously: it carries the flavour of the dish.

See also

Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · gluten-free recipes · healthy & balanced recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: lentils · sweet potatoes · carrots · onion · tomatoes.

You might also like these recipes: Quinoa tabbouleh · Tomato and basil soup · Red kuri squash and chestnut soup.