This comforting lentil pie is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the sweetness of carrots and peas. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it's a perfect meal for any occasion.
If you don't usually have lentils in your pantry, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. They are typically found in the dried beans and legumes section. Additionally, make sure you have vegetable broth and tomato paste, which might not be staples in every kitchen.
Ingredients For Lentil Pie Recipe
Lentils: A nutritious legume that forms the base of the pie filling.
Vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavor to the lentils as they cook.
Onion: Provides a savory foundation for the dish.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
Peas: Brings a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a hint of acidity to the filling.
Thyme: A dried herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy topping that creates a comforting finish to the pie.
Technique Tip for Making Lentil Pie
When preparing the mashed potatoes for the lentil pie, consider using a potato ricer for an extra smooth and creamy texture. This will ensure that the mashed potatoes spread evenly over the lentil mixture and create a beautiful, golden-brown crust when baked.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
lentils - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a good alternative.
vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth offers a rich umami flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks have a milder flavor but still provide the necessary aromatic base for the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a subtle garlic-like flavor and can be used in a similar quantity.
carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different but complementary sweetness and texture to the pie.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato puree: Sun-dried tomato puree offers a concentrated tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano provides a different but equally aromatic herbal note.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
mashed potatoes - Substitute with mashed cauliflower: Mashed cauliflower provides a lower-carb alternative while maintaining a creamy texture.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Lentil Pie
How to Store or Freeze Your Lentil Pie
- Allow the lentil pie to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the mashed potatoes soggy.
- Transfer the cooled lentil pie to an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the lentil pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s kept at a consistent temperature to maintain its freshness.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the lentil pie. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. The lentil pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the lentil pie in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the lentil pie in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- For a crispier top, remove the aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lentil pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the mashed potatoes' creamy texture and keeps the lentil mixture moist.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the lentil pie on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a crispy top, use a broiler. First, reheat the lentil pie in the microwave as described above. Then, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy.
For stovetop reheating, place the lentil mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Separately, reheat the mashed potatoes in a saucepan with a splash of vegetable broth or milk to keep them creamy. Once both components are hot, assemble them back together.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the lentil pie in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a nice, crispy top while keeping the inside warm and delicious.
Essential Tools for Making Lentil Pie
Oven: Used to bake the lentil pie until the top is golden brown.
Large pot: Used to cook the lentils with vegetable broth until they are tender.
Pan: Used to sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots.
Baking dish: Used to transfer the lentil mixture and spread the mashed potatoes on top before baking.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the lentil mixture and sautéing the vegetables.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the lentils, vegetable broth, and other ingredients accurately.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and dice the carrots.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and dicing the carrots.
Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the lentil mixture.
Spatula: Used to spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the lentil mixture in the baking dish.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, garlic, and carrots ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use canned lentils: Substitute dried lentils with canned ones to skip the boiling step.
Instant mashed potatoes: Use instant mashed potatoes to save time on preparing the topping.
One-pot cooking: Cook the lentils, vegetables, and broth in the same pot to reduce cleanup.
Frozen vegetables: Use pre-chopped frozen carrots and peas to cut down on prep time.
Lentil Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup peas frozen
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mashed potatoes prepared
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked lentils, peas, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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