Vegan Lentil Sweet Potato (Printable)

Wholesome lentils and creamy sweet potato mash combine for a filling, comforting main dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Sweet Potato Mash

01 - 3.3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Lentil Filling

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 carrots, diced
09 - 2 celery stalks, diced
10 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
12 - 1 1/4 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
13 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
16 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - 3 cups vegetable broth
19 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
20 - 1 cup frozen peas
21 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Place sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
03 - Mash the sweet potatoes with olive oil, plant-based milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
04 - While potatoes cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes, until softened.
05 - Add garlic and bell pepper; cook for 2 minutes more.
06 - Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
07 - Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Add more broth if needed.
08 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in soy sauce and frozen peas. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken.
09 - Transfer lentil mixture to a large baking dish. Spread mashed sweet potatoes evenly on top.
10 - Use a fork to create ridges in the mash for a golden crust.
11 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is slightly crispy and golden.
12 - Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The lentil filling develops such deep umami flavors that nobody misses the meat
  • Sweet potatoes make the creamiest mash without any dairy at all
  • It feeds a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers the next day
02 -
  • The mash spreads much more easily if you let it cool for just a few minutes after mashing
  • Creating ridges with a fork is not just for looks those crispy spots are the best part
03 -
  • Use a slightly larger baking dish than you think you need the filling bubbles up as it bakes
  • If you have time make the filling a day ahead the flavors develop so much more depth

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