# 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
03 - Add butter and milk to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper, then set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Add garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Stir in lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas and soy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Transfer the lentil mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread mashed potatoes on top using a spoon.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges in the mashed potatoes for texture and browning.
10 - Bake the assembled dish for 20 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is lightly golden.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
