Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Rustic Parsnip Crust

By: Del Sroufe

Forks Over Knives- The Cookbook

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced small

1 large carrot, peeled and diced small

2 stalks celery, diced small

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 sprig rosemary

1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed

1 bay leaf

3 tablespoons tomato paste

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

8 medium red-skin potatoes, peeled and chopped

4 parnsips, peeled and chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:
Place the onion, carrot and celery in a large saucepan and saute over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add water 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time to keep the vegetables from sticking to the pan. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the rosemary, lentils, bay leaf and enough water to cover the lentils by 3 inches.  Bring pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, covered for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook for another 15 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Season with salt & pepper. Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprig and pour the lentils into a 9 x 13″ baking dish.

Meanwhile, add the potatoes and parsnips to a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

Remove the potatoes and parsnips from the heat and drain all but 1/2 cup of the water. Mash the vegetables until smooth and creamy, then season with additional salt and spread the mixture evenly over the lentils.

Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.