Spiced Lamb and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, but who says it can’t get a little adventurous? This Spiced Lamb and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie shakes up tradition with a fragrant, warmly spiced filling of tender lamb and hearty lentils, paired with a creamy, slightly sweet mash of sweet potato and cauliflower. It’s a dish that marries the cozy familiarity of the classic with unexpected twists—think cumin, cinnamon, and a touch of heat, all topped with a vibrant, lighter mash that’s as delicious as it is colorful. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you want to impress with something both comforting and unique, this recipe is your ticket to a new family favourite. Let’s dig into this reinvented classic!

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground lamb (or substitute with ground beef for a twist)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Sweet Potato-Cauliflower Mash:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 head cauliflower (about 2 cups florets)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mash:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cauliflower and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until both are fork-tender. Drain well, then return to the pot. Add butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy using a potato masher or immersion blender. Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Add Spices and Lentils:
   Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened. Stir in the peas and season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Pie:
   Transfer the lamb and lentil filling to a 9x9-inch baking dish (or similar size). Spread the sweet potato-cauliflower mash evenly over the top. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the mash for a golden, cheesy crust.
5. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
6. Serve:
   Let the pie cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the layers of flavour!

This Spiced Lamb and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato-Cauliflower Mash is proof that comfort food can be both familiar and thrillingly new. The spiced filling brings warmth and depth, while the vibrant mash adds a sweet, creamy contrast that’s lighter than the usual potato topping yet just as satisfying. It’s a dish that invites you to savour every bite, blending the rustic charm of Shepherd’s Pie with a modern, flavorful twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to leftovers all week, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and a little culinary creativity. So, grab a spoon and dig into this deliciously unique take on a timeless classic—you won’t look at Shepherd’s Pie the same way again!