1Made with AI
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cook for 15–20 minutes, or until very tender.
While the potatoes cook, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, until their liquid has been released and mostly evaporated. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, cooked brown lentils, and vegetable stock. Season with 5 g of the salt and all of the black pepper.
Bring the lentil mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. Remove it from the heat and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot saucepan. Allow them to steam dry for 1–2 minutes.
Add the butter, whole milk, and remaining 3 g of salt to the potatoes. Mash until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Transfer the lentil and vegetable filling to a large baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling and spread them to the edges. Roughen the surface with a fork to encourage browning.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the potato topping is lightly golden. For a deeper crust, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.
Let the shepherd's pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.