Best Curried Lentil Pie Recipes

LENTIL & SWEET POTATO COTTAGE PIE

Steps:

• Tip the onions, carrots, celery and olive oil into a large saucepan. Cook over a medium heat for 8-10 mins until softened, add the garlic and fry for another minute. Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan (scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom), and simmer for 2 mins until most of the wine has evaporated.
• Add the thyme, tomato purée, soy sauce, caster sugar and vinegar to the pan and stir to combine. Tip in the lentils, tomatoes and 100ml water and simmer for 10-12 mins until reduced and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Meanwhile, make the mash topping. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the sweet potatoes and simmer for 10-15 mins until cooked all the way through. Drain, then add the dairy-free margarine, mustard powder and milk, and mash until smooth along with plenty of salt and pepper.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Season the filling and pour it into a 25 x 20 x 7cm casserole dish. Top with the mash, starting with spoonfuls on the outside corners and working your way inwards so the filling doesn't spill out. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds on top and bake for 30-35 mins until golden and bubbling. Once baked and left to cool, the pie will keep frozen for up to three months. Defrost thoroughly overnight, then reheat in the oven until piping hot.

CURRIED LENTILS

Steps:

• Rinse lentils and place in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then cover, and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Stir in the curry paste, coconut cream and season with salt to taste. Return to a simmer, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until tender.

CURRIED SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• Put the potatoes into a pot and add water to cover and salt to taste. Bring to the boil and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• As the potatoes cook, heat the oil in a skillet and add the onions and garlic over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted. Add the curry powder, cumin and coriander and cook briefly, stirring.
• Add the meat and cook, stirring down with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up the lumps. Add salt, pepper, the tomatoes, broth and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
• Drain the potatoes and put them through a food mill or a potato ricer back into the pot. Stir in the peas and cook briefly.
• Add the hot milk, two tablespoons of the butter and pepper, preferably white, beating with a wooden spoon.
• Heat an eight-cup baking dish (a souffle dish works well) and spoon the piping-hot curried meat into it. Top with the hot mashed potatoes. Smooth over the top. Dot with the remaining tablespoon of butter.
• Run the mixture under the broiler until the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.