Hearty Lentil Mushroom Pie – A Comforting Meal 🥧🌱✨
This Hearty Lentil Mushroom Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining earthy lentils, savory mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s a wholesome, plant-based dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this pie is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) Green lentils, cooked
- 1 cup (150g) Mushrooms, chopped
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Carrot, diced
- 1 stalk Celery, chopped
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Rosemary
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1⁄2 cup Vegetable broth
- 3 medium Potatoes, mashed
- 1⁄4 cup Plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, or soy)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Lentils and Mushrooms: Stir in the cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with plant-based milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the lentil-mushroom mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cook Lentils Ahead: Save time by cooking the lentils in advance or using canned lentils (rinsed and drained).
- Customize Veggies: Add other vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Crispy Topping: For a crispier potato topping, broil the pie for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to the mashed potatoes for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 12-15g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fiber: 10-12g
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Sodium: 400-500mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish is a perfect example of how comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious. Here’s why:
- High in Fiber: Lentils and vegetables provide a hearty dose of fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this pie a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
- Low in Fat: Using minimal oil and plant-based milk keeps this dish light yet satisfying.
- Rich in Vitamins: Carrots, celery, and mushrooms add essential vitamins and minerals to your meal.
Serve this Hearty Lentil Mushroom Pie with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete, wholesome meal that’s sure to warm your heart and soul! 🌱✨