# Components:
→ Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 2.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (or regular milk if preferred)
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Lentil Filling
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 large onion, finely diced
08 - 2 medium carrots, diced
09 - 2 celery stalks, diced
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
12 - 1 cup frozen peas
13 - 1 cup vegetable broth
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
18 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
19 - Salt, to taste
20 - Black pepper, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
03 - Add olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk to the cooked sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
05 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add lentils, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce or tamari, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
08 - Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the sweet potato mash on top and spread gently to cover the filling.
09 - Create ridges in the sweet potato mash using a fork, if desired. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra crispness.
10 - Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is slightly golden and the filling bubbles.
11 - Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before portioning and serving.
