# What You Need:
→ Lentil Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 2 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 cup frozen peas
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Mashed Potato Topping
16 - 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
17 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
18 - 1/3 cup whole milk or plant-based alternative
19 - Salt and white pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up.
02 - Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
03 - Add butter and milk to the potatoes, mash to a smooth consistency. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
05 - Mix in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
06 - Incorporate lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas and soy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
08 - Transfer lentil filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with mashed potatoes.
09 - Use a fork to form ridges on the mashed potatoes to promote browning.
10 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is lightly golden.
11 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes to set before serving.
