Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers comfort food vibes with a vibrant global flair. The warm blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric elevates humble lentils into something truly delicious, while the sweet potato topping adds a soft, silky contrast. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and feeds about five people with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and quartered
Olive oil (2–3 Tbsp), divided
White onion, diced (½ cup)
Salt (½ tsp, plus more to taste)
Fresh ginger (1 tsp), chopped
Fresh garlic (1 tsp), crushed or chopped
Carrot, diced (medium, approx. 6″)
Turmeric powder (½ tsp)
Ground cumin (1 tsp)
Ground coriander (1 tsp)
Cinnamon powder (1 tsp)
Tomato paste (2 Tbsp)
Vegetable stock (1 cup)
Brown lentils, canned (14 oz), rinsed and drained
Cumin seeds (½ tsp), for topping
Optional fresh cilantro/coriander for garnish

Directions

Cook the sweet potatoes: Boil the peeled, quartered sweet potatoes in cold water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes). Drain, then mash with 1–2 Tbsp olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Make the filling: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (205 °C). Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet; sauté onion and salt until softened (~5 min). Add ginger, garlic, and carrot. Stir in spices, coating everything evenly. Add tomato paste, stock, and lentils; bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble and bake: Transfer the filling to an ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Smooth the mashed sweet potatoes on top, sprinkle with cumin seeds, and bake for 15–20 minutes until the topping is lightly browned
Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Yields: ~5 servings
Prep time: ~25 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes (plus baking)
Total time: ~45 minutes

Variations

Swap sweet potato mash for regular mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
Customize spices add harissa or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Stir fresh spinach or kale into the filling during simmer for added greens.
Use red lentils for a smoother texture, extending simmer time as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through to maintain texture. The pie also freezes well thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven for vibrant results.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes. Just mash cooked potatoes with oil or a vegan butter alternative and season well the flavor will be more neutral but still comforting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. It’s naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable stock is certified gluten-free.

What if I can’t find brown lentils?

You can use green or green lentils, though cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure they’re tender before baking.

Can I prep ahead?

Yes make the filling and mash separately and assemble just before baking to streamline dinner.

How can I make it oil-free?

You can sauté the vegetables with a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of oil, and skip the oil in the mash or replace with soaked cashews blended for creaminess.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely stir in peas, corn, or diced zucchini to the filling for added color and nutrients.

Is there a non-spicy version?

Reduce or omit spices like turmeric or cinnamon for a milder flavor just don’t skip all of them, or you’ll lose the Moroccan essence.

Can I use dried lentils?

Yes, but cook them first until tender, then proceed with the filling. You may need more liquid while simmering.

How do I get a golden top?

Brush the mashed layer with a light coating of plant-based milk or margarine before baking to encourage browning.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can scale the ingredients, just ensure you use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time as needed until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.

Conclusion

This Moroccan Spiced Vegan Shepherd’s Pie from A Saucy Kitchen brings bold, warming spices to a family favorite, turning simple lentils and sweet potatoes into a cozy yet exotic meal. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and easy to make perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd with a heartwarming touch.