The Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting vegetarian twist on the classic dish, offering a hearty filling of lentils and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Mary Berry’s recipe emphasizes simplicity and balance, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and anyone looking for a lighter version of shepherd’s pie.
What is Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie?
Mary Berry’s lentil shepherd’s pie replaces traditional minced meat with protein-rich lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s baked with a topping of buttery mashed potatoes, creating a wholesome, satisfying dish suitable for vegetarians and full of comforting flavors.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Vegetarian-friendly: A hearty and flavorful meat-free option.
- Packed with nutrition: Loaded with lentils and vegetables.
- Comforting and filling: Perfect for a cozy meal.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for meal prep or freezing.
- Customizable: Adapt with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
For the Filling:
- Brown or green lentils (200g, cooked): The base of the dish.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 sticks, finely chopped): Enhances flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory kick.
- Tomato purée (2 tablespoons): For richness.
- Vegetable stock (300ml): To create the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami flavor.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon): For aromatic flavor.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds depth to the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris
Piper works best for a fluffy mash.
- Butter (50g): Adds creaminess.
- Milk (75ml): To create a smooth texture.
- Cheddar cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, cheesy topping.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet: For cooking the filling.
- Saucepan: For boiling the potatoes.
- Ovenproof dish: For assembling the pie.
- Potato masher: To prepare the mashed potato topping.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the cooked lentils, vegetable stock, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the mashed potato topping
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If using cheddar cheese, mix half into the mash for added flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the shepherd’s pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spoon the lentil mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing with a fork to create ridges for a crispy finish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Step 4: Bake the shepherd’s pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Steamed green beans: Adds freshness and texture.
- Roasted root vegetables: Complements the hearty flavors.
- Pickled red cabbage: Provides a tangy contrast.
- Crisp side salad: Lighten the dish with fresh greens.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Use high-quality lentils: Cooked brown or green lentils work best for texture and flavor.
- Cool the filling slightly: This helps the mashed potatoes stay on top without sinking.
- Add herbs generously: Fresh thyme and bay leaf add aromatic depth.
- Experiment with toppings: Try sweet potato mash or add a breadcrumb topping for crunch.
- Simmer the filling properly: Reducing the sauce intensifies the flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Sweet potato topping: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Vegan version: Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, and skip the cheese.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the filling.
- Herb-infused mash: Mix chopped parsley or chives into the mashed potatoes.
- Cheesy crust: Add a layer of grated cheese or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until thoroughly heated.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 12g
FAQs
Can I make lentil shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Yes, lentil shepherd’s pie can be made ahead of time. Assemble the pie, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.
Can I freeze lentil shepherd’s pie?
Lentil shepherd’s pie freezes well. Assemble the pie, let it cool completely, and freeze it in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What type of lentils should I use for lentil shepherd’s pie?
Brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape and have a hearty texture. Avoid red lentils as they tend to become mushy.
How can I make lentil shepherd’s pie vegan?
To make this dish vegan, replace butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese or omit it entirely. Ensure the vegetable stock is vegan-friendly.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich lentil filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetarian comfort food. Ready to create a satisfying and nutritious meal?
Try this recipe today and savor the goodness of a plant-based classic!
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Mary Berry Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s lentil shepherd’s pie replaces traditional minced meat with protein-rich lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s baked with a topping of buttery mashed potatoes, creating a wholesome, satisfying dish suitable for vegetarians and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Brown or green lentils (200g, cooked): The base of the dish.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): For texture and natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 sticks, finely chopped): Enhances flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory kick.
- Tomato purée (2 tablespoons): For richness.
- Vegetable stock (300ml): To create the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami flavor.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon): For aromatic flavor.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds depth to the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Potatoes (1kg, peeled): Floury varieties like Maris
Piper works best for a fluffy mash.
- Butter (50g): Adds creaminess.
- Milk (75ml): To create a smooth texture.
- Cheddar cheese (optional, 50g grated): For a golden, cheesy topping.
- Salt and black pepper: To season.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the cooked lentils, vegetable stock, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the mashed potato topping
- Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If using cheddar cheese, mix half into the mash for added flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the shepherd’s pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, 400°F).
- Spoon the lentil mixture into an ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing with a fork to create ridges for a crispy finish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
Step 4: Bake the shepherd’s pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
