# What You'll Need:
→ Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 2.5 pounds peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Lentil Filling
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 large onion, finely diced
07 - 2 medium carrots, diced
08 - 2 celery stalks, diced
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils
11 - 1 cup frozen peas
12 - 1 cup vegetable broth
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Cook peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to pot.
03 - Add olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk to the drained sweet potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
05 - Incorporate minced garlic into the vegetables and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in cooked lentils, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce or tamari, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens.
07 - Fold in frozen peas and cook for an additional two minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
08 - Transfer the lentil filling evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Gently spread the sweet potato mash atop the filling, covering it completely.
09 - Optionally, use a fork to form ridges on the surface of the mash. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to encourage crispness during baking.
10 - Place assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and filling is bubbling.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to enhance flavors.
