# What You'll Need:
→ Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 2.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
03 - ¼ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Lentil Filling
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 large onion, finely diced
08 - 2 carrots, diced
09 - 2 celery stalks, diced
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils, drained
12 - 1 cup frozen peas
13 - 1 cup vegetable broth
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
15 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
18 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
19 - Salt, to taste
20 - Black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.
03 - Add olive oil or vegan butter and non-dairy milk to the drained sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.
05 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add cooked lentils, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce or tamari, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
07 - Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
08 - Spread the lentil mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Carefully top with the sweet potato mash, smoothing gently to cover completely.
09 - Optionally, use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the mash and drizzle lightly with olive oil for enhanced crispness.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
11 - Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
