"ToL" Original Recipe: Lentil, Sweet Potato, & Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie

Gini Mayehara
Jun 29
2 min read

Updated: Sep 6

Lentil, Sweet Potato, & Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Yields: 12 servings

Filling

2 cups organic dried green lentils
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
1 small organic onion, chopped
2 organic carrots, chopped
2 organic celery stalks, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth or purified water
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
Fresh dill, to taste

Topping

2 small Okinawan sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
18 ounces organic butternut squash, cubed
1–2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
Fresh organic dill, to taste
2 cups organic arugula

Kitchen Equipment

Mixing bowls/cups/spoons for mise en place (“everything in its place”) ingredients
Medium pot
Rice cooker
Cutting board
Chef knife
Vegetable peeler
Wooden spoon
Spatula
Collander
Potato masher
9"x13" Baking dish
Oven mitts
Plates
Spoons

Cooking Instructions

Sanitize the kitchen (sink, countertops, handles, smart devices, etc.).
Measure 2 cups of lentils and rinse under cold water.
Cook lentils in a rice cooker.
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes.
Boil the sweet potatoes and butternut squash in a medium pot for 10–12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the sweet potatoes and butternut squash and mash them with olive oil and seasonings.
Set them aside.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
Stir in cooked lentils, herbs, and salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems dry.
In a baking dish, spread lentil filling on the bottom and layer mashed sweet potatoes and butternut squash on top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.
Let cool slightly.
Top with arugula and fresh dill before serving.

A Quick Note on Pride & Humility

Cooking, like many other things we do in life, is worth doing well and requires both pride and humility. Pride reminds you to show up, put in the care, and create something meaningful. However, humility keeps you open to feedback, learning, and growth.

This shepherd’s pie is simple, but it takes thoughtfulness and creativity. Each layer builds on the one before it, just as your skills, work, and relationships do. Be proud of what you make—but stay humble enough to keep learning how to make it better.

Cheers,

Gini x

29 June 2025