Print

Jamie Oliver Lentil Cottage Pie

Jamie Oliver Lentil Cottage Pie
Print Recipe

The Jamie Oliver Lentil Cottage Pie is a baked savoury pie where a thick lentil and vegetable filling replaces traditional minced beef, topped with smooth mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

It mirrors the structure of classic cottage pie while offering a vegetarian alternative.

Ingredients

Scale

Serves 5

For the Lentil Filling

    • 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed)

    • 1 onion (finely chopped)

    • 1 carrot (small diced)

    • 1 celery stick (small diced)

    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

    • 2 tbsp tomato paste

    • 400 g chopped tomatoes

    • 500 ml vegetable stock

    • 1 tsp dried thyme

    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    • Salt and black pepper

For the Mash Topping

    • 800 g potatoes (peeled and chopped)

    • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

    • 3–4 tbsp milk (or plant milk)

    • Salt to taste

Optional:

    • Handful frozen peas

    • Grated cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lentils Properly

Place lentils in a saucepan with water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 18–20 minutes until tender but still holding shape.

Drain and set aside. Overcooked lentils become mushy, which affects texture in the filling.

Step 2: Build the Flavour Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and thyme, cooking briefly until fragrant. This aromatic base creates depth before liquids are added.

Step 3: Create a Rich Lentil Filling

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to remove raw flavour. Add chopped tomatoes, stock, and cooked lentils.

Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until thick. The mixture should look rich and spoonable, not watery. If too thin, cook a few minutes longer.

Add peas at the end if using. Season carefully.

Step 4: Prepare Smooth Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork tender. Drain thoroughly.

Mash with butter and milk until smooth. The mash should be soft but firm enough to spread. Too much milk makes it loose and difficult to layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Cottage Pie

Preheat oven to 190°C.

Spread the lentil filling evenly in a baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes on top and gently spread with a spatula.

Use a fork to create ridges on the surface — these crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top turns lightly golden and edges bubble slightly.

Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving so layers set properly.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/lentil-cottage-pie/