# What You'll 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 - ⅓ cup whole milk or plant-based alternative
19 - Salt and white pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Place peeled and cubed potatoes in salted boiling water and cook until fork-tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Return drained potatoes to pot, add butter and milk, then mash until creamy. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.
04 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in peas and soy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Transfer the lentil mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges in the potato layer, then bake for 20 minutes until the topping is lightly golden.
10 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
