This pie is lovely and soft making it perfect for both spoon-fed and baby-led weaning babies. Of course, it isn't limited to just baby food, Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a delicious family meal for all ages.
What is Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie, or Cottage Pie, is a meat pie with a crust of mashed potato. Shepherd’s Pie is generally made with lamb, and Cottage Pie usually applies to one made with beef.
So technically this isn't a Shepherds Pie at all. Often meat-free versions are named Shepherdless Pies but I've just stuck with Shepherd's Pie for this recipe!
The Lentil Base
The lentil base is something I make a version of regularly. I use it in Lentil Lasagne or serve it as an alternative to a meat bolognese. It is easy to make and very baby / child-friendly.
Do You Have to Use Sweet Potato?
I used sweet potato for this Lentil Shepherd's Pie recipe because Finn (and now Rory) are crazy over sweet potato. I have, however, also made this pie using standard mashed potato and have even made a version using a mixture of mashed potato with mashed carrot, like in this Five a Day Pie.
Use what you think your kids would like best. If they love the pie you can always try a different topping the next time you make it!
Finn (now 6) still enjoys this dish. It is a perfect meal solution for when I have no meat in the fridge. Lentils are a good source of protein and the whole dish is full of vegetables to help reach your five a day.
Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
Lentil Shepherd"s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 onions (finely chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 185g ( 1 cup) red split lentils
- 400g (1 can) tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- 625ml 2 .5 cups Veg stock *SEE NOTE 1
- Topping
- 750g Sweet Potato (peeled and cut into chunks) *SEE NOTE 2
- 50g (½ cup) Cheddar Cheese (grated) *SEE NOTE 3
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté onion, carrots, celery and garlic for 10 mins or until softened
- Stir in the lentils
- Add tomatoes, tomato puree, bay leaf and 1 cup of stock.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for approx. 30 mins (until the lentils are soft and the sauce has thickened) (Keep adding more stock as needed)
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 220c / 430F and place the sweet potato in a pan of boiling water. Boil until soft (approx. 15 mins)
- Thoroughly drain and mash the potatoes.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a oven proof dish and top with the sweet potato.
- Sprinkle with cheese (optional) and cook in oven for approx. 15 mins.
Video
Recipe Notes
- If serving to a baby use homemade, low sodium stock or replace with water.Â
- You can replace the sweet potato with white potatoes if you prefer.
- Cheese is optional.Â
Tabitha says
I just wanted to ask what tomato purée is? Is it just tomato sauce or is it tomato paste? Thanks so much 🙂
Amy says
Hi Tabitha, it is tomato paste. 🙂
Victoria Mukungulu says
Huge hit with 16 month old! He wolfed it down! Even wanting sends! Thank you xx
Amy says
Great to hear! Thanks Victoria 🙂
Emma Dave says
Hello, looking forward to trying this recipe. I just wanted to check if the oven temperature and timings are for a fan oven or a standard oven? I have a fan oven.
Amy says
Hi Emma, I use a fan oven 🙂
Kaylie says
Delicious! My 9 month old loved it and so did I. I baked slightly longer, added 1/2 cup ground beef to the lentil mixture, and used 2 cups of Mutti tomato purée as the tomato ingredients because I didn’t have chopped tomatoes. It is an incredibly filling dish and very flavorful. This was the first dish I’ve made that my little one and I could share. So grateful I found your site! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙂
Amy says
Thanks Kaylie, so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Maya says
My 12 month old loved this! So hearty and tasty. I can't wait to try your other recipes.
Amy says
Thanks Maya, so happy your little one enjoyed it. Hopefully you have success with some other recipes 🙂
Claire says
Very yummy my 9 month old loved it! Have you tried freezing this recipe?
Amy says
Thanks Claire, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes you can freeze 🙂