# What You'll Need:
→ Lentil Filling
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F to prepare for baking.
02 - Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Return drained potatoes to the pot; add butter and milk. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Add minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add rinsed 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 liquid is mostly absorbed.
07 - Discard the bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas and soy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Transfer lentil mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
09 - Use a fork to make ridges in the mashed potatoes to encourage browning during baking.
10 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is lightly golden.
11 - Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving to set.
