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Spelt Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Spelt Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie in a rustic baking dish

Classic Comfort, Reimagined

This Spelt Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie gives the beloved British comfort food a healthy update. Instead of the usual mash and mince, it features a rich vegetable and spelt base topped with smooth, naturally sweet potato mash.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s hearty, satisfying, and completely plant-based. Spelt adds texture and protein, while the sweet potatoes create a buttery top without dairy. Perfect for family dinners, cosy weekends, or meal prep—wholesome food that feels indulgent.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 6.20
Calories: 420
Best Season: Winter
Dietary: Dairy-Free, High Fiber, Vegan
Description

A hearty vegan Shepherd’s Pie made with nutty spelt grains and a creamy sweet potato mash topping. Comforting, filling, and full of natural flavour.

Ingredients
    For the topping:
  • 800 g sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp plant milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • Pinch sea salt and black pepper
    • For the filling:
  • 150 g pearled spelt (uncooked)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 carrots (diced)
  • 150 g mushrooms (chopped)
  • 1 celery stick (diced)
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 400 ml vegetable stock
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
    Cook the spelt:
  1. 1
    Rinse and simmer in water for 25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
    2. Prepare the topping:
  2. 2
    Boil sweet potatoes until soft (about 12 minutes). Drain, mash with olive oil, milk, salt, and pepper.
    3. Make the filling:
  3. 3
    In a large pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and mushrooms for 8 minutes until softened.
    4. Add flavour:
  4. 4
    Stir in tomato purée, thyme, paprika, and soy sauce. Cook 1 minute.
    5. Combine:
  5. 5
    Add cooked spelt and vegetable stock. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened.
    6. Assemble:
  6. 6
    Spoon filling into a baking dish and spread sweet potato mash on top.
    7. Bake:
  7. 7
    Cook at 190°C (170°C fan) for 20 minutes until golden on top.
    8. Serve:
  8. 8
    Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 420mg18%
Potassium 950mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 70g24%
Dietary Fiber 10g40%
Sugars 12g
Protein 12g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

  • Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven until piping hot.
Keywords: spelt shepherd’s pie, vegan comfort food, sweet potato pie, healthy dinner, plant-based recipe

Tips & Variations

Make It Your Own

  • Extra veg: Add peas, spinach, or sweetcorn to the filling.
  • Richer flavour: Stir in 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace spelt with quinoa or brown lentils.
  • Creamy top: Mix a little coconut milk into the mash for a silky finish.

Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed greens for a full meal.

Conclusion

This Spelt Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie brings comfort, warmth, and real nourishment. It’s earthy, creamy, and satisfying without being heavy. Ideal for cosy evenings, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep—it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-sweet-potato-shepherds-pie/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!