Mini Vegetarian Shepard’s Pie

These mini vegetarian shepherd’s pies feature lentils, carrot and corn, crowned with a velvety mashed potato topping. The recipe can also be made in a broiler-safe casserole dish. Serve with a spinach salad with oranges, walnuts and red-wine vinaigrette

From: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2011

Ingredients
4 servings

• 1 pound Yukon Gold or white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced½ cup finely diced carrot
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¾ cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 14-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1½ cups cooked or canned (rinsed) lentils (see Tip)

Preparation

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, partially cover and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add buttermilk, butter and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth.

1. While the potatoes are cooking, position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat four 10- to 12-ounce broiler-safe ramekins (or an 8-inch-square broiler-safe baking dish) with cooking spray. Place ramekins on a broiler-safe baking sheet.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in corn, thyme and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat. Stir in broth. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in lentils and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
3. Divide the hot lentil mixture among the prepared ramekins (or spread in the baking dish). Top with the mashed potatoes. Broil, rotating halfway through, until the potato is lightly browned in spots, 6 to 10 minutes.

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the filling (Step 3), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
• Tip: To cook lentils, place in a saucepan, cover with at least 1 inch of water, bring to a simmer and cook until just tender, 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of lentil. Drain and rinse with cold water. 1 cup dry lentils = about 2½ cups cooked. Or use canned lentils: 15-ounce can = 1½ cups. Rinse canned lentils before cooking with them to reduce the sodium by about 35%.
• Cut Down on Dishes: A rimmed baking sheet is great for everything from roasting to catching accidental drips and spills. For effortless cleanup and to keep your baking sheets in tip-top shape, line them with a layer of foil before each use.

Nutrition information:

• Serving size: about 2 cups
• Per serving: 322 calories; 7 g fat(3 g sat); 10 g fiber; 54 g carbohydrates; 12 g protein; 182 mcg folate; 9 mg cholesterol; 8 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 2,847 IU vitamin A; 15 mg vitamin C; 77 mg calcium; 3 mg iron; 783 mg sodium; 842 mg potassium
• Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (57% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Vitamin C (25% dv)
• Carbohydrate Servings: 3½