# What is Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce?
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce is a hearty, comforting dish with a unique twist. It combines savory lentils and vegetables with a creamy, herb-infused sauce and is topped with a buttery mashed potato crust. This dish is a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal that is rich in protein and flavor.
# Nutritional Benefits of Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentils are an incredibly nutritious addition to any meal. They are a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. Lentils are also low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. The vegetables and herbs in this dish provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as flavorful touches.
# What Makes Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce Unique?
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce is unique in that it combines a savory lentil and vegetable filling with a creamy and herbaceous sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of fresh herbs, such as sage, rosemary, and thyme, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. The topping of mashed potatoes adds a nice crunch and creamy texture, making this dish a complete meal.
# Variations of Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter and cheese from the mashed potato topping. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour in the sauce for a gluten-free alternative. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, squash, or zucchini, to the filling to add more texture and flavor.
# Serving Suggestions for Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce is a great main dish to serve for any meal. It pairs nicely with a salad or side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it as an appetizer or side dish, cut into smaller portions. For a special occasion, top the pie with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
# Where to Find Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce can be found in many grocery stores, specialty stores, and online. There are also many recipes available online for making this dish at home. Making this dish from scratch allows you to adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes.
# Conclusion
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Herb Sauce is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal. It is a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal that is packed with protein and flavor. This dish is also easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables and herbs. With its creamy sauce and buttery mashed potato topping, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Dried Lentils
1/2 Onion
1 Carrot
2 Stalks Celery
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine
1 Cup Vegetable Stock
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Tsp Dried Rosemary
1 Cup Peas
1/4 Cup Parsley
1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 Tbsp All-purpose Flour
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
4. Add lentils, red wine, vegetable stock, thyme and rosemary. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Add peas, parsley and tomato paste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, flour, Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Pour the lentil mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish.
8. Spread the cream sauce evenly over the top of the lentils.
9. In another small bowl, combine butter, breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the cream sauce.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve warm with a side salad and enjoy!
