Hearty vegan cottage pie made with lentils, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Moreover, it is easy to bake, healthy, and family-friendly.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Filling
- 1 cup brown or green lentils (cooked)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3–4 medium potatoes (boiled & mashed)
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk (soy, almond, or oat)
- 1 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
First, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Next, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until soft. Then, add carrots, peas, corn, and cooked lentils.
After that, stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, prepare mashed potatoes by mashing boiled potatoes with plant milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
Now, spread the lentil-vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Then, top with mashed potatoes and smooth with a spatula. Optionally, use a fork to create texture on top.
Finally, bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Serve hot.
⭐ Tips for Best Results
Firstly, use cooked lentils that are firm but not mushy.
Additionally, add a splash of vegetable broth if filling is too thick.
Moreover, letting mashed potatoes cool slightly before topping helps prevent them from mixing into the filling.
If desired, sprinkle paprika or nutritional yeast on top for extra flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Cheesy Vegan: Sprinkle vegan cheese on top before baking
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free
- Sweet Potato Topping: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes
💚 Health Benefits
This vegan cottage pie is high in fiber, therefore supporting digestion.
Moreover, lentils provide plant-based protein, iron, and essential nutrients.
Because it is plant-based and dairy-free, it is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
As a result, it is a healthier alternative to traditional cottage pie while still being comforting and satisfying.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
For kids, skip spicy ingredients.
Additionally, mash the vegetables finely for smoother texture.
Serve in small portions or fun shapes to encourage picky eaters.
Finally, top with a little vegan cheese for extra appeal.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
