Gardener’s Pie

Sometimes you need a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and Gardener’s Pie certainly delivers.

Layers of vibrant vegetables and tender lentils come together under a comforting blanket of fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a wholesome meal that’s easy to assemble and difficult to resist.

If you love simple, nourishing dinners, this recipe will likely become a favourite you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Gardener’s Pie recipe:

• 1 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 carrots
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tin lentils
• 1 tsp oregano
• 6 large potatoes
• 20g butter
• 75ml milk

Why Gardener’s Pie is so Comforting

Gardener’s Pie combines hearty vegetables, creamy potatoes, and savoury flavours, resulting in an easy family dinner that warms you up from the first bite.

Every spoonful offers a touch of nostalgia for cosy evenings around the dinner table, making this a perfect dish if you’re craving classic comfort food.

Filling Your Pie with Veg

Carrots and bell pepper bring a splash of colour, while peas contribute a subtle sweetness.

Sautéed onions and garlic form the flavour foundation, ensuring each bite remains satisfying.

The variety of vegetables also means a good balance of nutrients, so you can enjoy a filling meal without compromising on your nutritional goals.

Embracing Lentils for Richness

Including tinned lentils adds both texture and protein to the pie, making it more substantial without relying on meat.

Their mild, earthy flavour blends seamlessly with the tomato purée and herbs, creating a sauce that ties all of the vegetables together.

A splash of water now and again helps keep the mixture moist and ensures the lentils remain tender.

Perfecting the Mash Topping

A smooth yet sturdy mashed potato layer is essential to contrast the vegetable filling.

By boiling the potatoes until a fork can easily break them apart, you create the ideal base for mixing in butter and milk.

This method results in a luxuriously creamy topping that bakes into a lightly golden crust, sealing in the flavours beneath.

How to Make This Gardener’s Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Begin by bringing a pan of water to the boil.

While the water is heating, peel and dice the potatoes into chunks.

Carefully add them to the boiling water and let them cook for about 20 minutes, or until they’re soft enough that a fork can split them easily.

This ensures the potatoes will mash smoothly later on.

Step 2: Sauté the onion and garlic

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a separate pan over a moderate heat.

Dice the onion into small pieces and add it to the pan, letting it cook until translucent.

Grate or crush the garlic cloves, stirring them in with the onion for a further two minutes.

Keep the heat steady to avoid scorching the garlic and preserve its sweet undertones.

Step 3: Add the carrots and bell pepper

Peel and dice the carrots into small cubes and toss them into the pan.

Give them about five minutes to soften slightly and soak up the onion-and-garlic base.

Dice the bell pepper and throw it into the mix, along with a cup of frozen peas.

Stir everything well, allowing the vegetables to cook together for around 10 minutes.

The aim here is to develop a range of textures and flavours without letting anything become overly soft.

Step 4: Incorporate the lentils and seasonings

Spoon in the tomato purée, followed by the tin of lentils (including any liquid).

Add the oregano and a pinch of salt, then gently simmer the mixture.

If it starts to look a bit dry, pour in small splashes of water to keep it moist and help distribute the flavours evenly.

By the end of this step, your filling should be a hearty, well-seasoned base for the final layers.

Step 5: Mash the potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander and return them to the pan.

Add the butter and the milk, mashing everything together until the potatoes reach a light and fluffy consistency.

If they feel too dense, add a dash more milk to loosen them.

Taste as you go, adjusting salt levels to match your preference.

Step 6: Layer into an oven dish

Transfer your lentil-and-vegetable sauce into an ovenproof dish, smoothing it out so it’s evenly spread.

Carefully spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes on top, creating a thick, comforting blanket.

Use a fork to press gentle lines or patterns into the surface, which helps the top crisp up beautifully as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake until golden

Place the dish in an oven preheated to 190°C and let it bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and pleasingly crunchy around the edges.

Keep an eye on the pie in the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.

Once done, remove it from the oven, allow it to rest for a couple of minutes, and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, courgettes, or even spinach work well.

Just adjust the cooking times so each vegetable gets a chance to soften and blend with the sauce.

What if I don’t have tomato purée?

You can substitute with a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes.

Keep in mind that the consistency may change slightly, so simmer off any excess liquid if needed.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Simply replace the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and almond or oat milk.

Double-check your tinned lentils and any other ingredients for hidden animal products.

Can I prepare Gardener’s Pie ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish fully, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from chilled.

Does it freeze well?

Definitely. After cooking, allow it to cool before portioning and placing in airtight containers or freezer-safe dishes.

Defrost thoroughly before reheating in the oven, and you’ll have an easy homemade meal ready to go.

And that’s it for this Gardener’s Pie recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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