# Needed Ingredients:
→ 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
# Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes. Drain well.
03 - Return drained potatoes to pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
05 - Incorporate garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf into vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
06 - Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas and soy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Transfer lentil mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread mashed potatoes on top.
09 - Use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato surface. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
10 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes prior to serving to enhance flavor melding.
