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Pesto Parmesan Make-Ahead Lentil Shepherd’s Skillet with Avocado Salsa, an original WorkLife Meal Plan recipe

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Pesto Parmesan Make-Ahead Lentil Shepherd’s Skillet with Avocado Salsa

Basil pesto and nutty Parmesan for instant weeknight appeal. This recipe makes a cozy vegetable-and-lentil filling with a quick golden potato topping, built to prep earlier and finish quickly at dinner time, with a creamy, no-cook finish. It is designed for dependable prep, familiar groceries, and a calm family dinner.

Plant-basedFreezer-friendlyComfort foodMake aheadNo-cook finish
Prep21 min
Cook32 min
Serves4
Total53 min
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What you’ll need

Ingredients

  • 2 cans lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
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Make it happen

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the broiler. Warm olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and cook onion, carrots, and mushrooms for 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add 1/3 cup basil pesto and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, lentils, broth, and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in peas. Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling and spread to the edges.

  4. 4

    Broil for 5–7 minutes until golden in spots. Rest for 5 minutes, add Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves, and serve.

  5. 5

    Fold the avocado and tomato together with a pinch of salt and spoon over the meal at the table.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Estimates are provided for planning and are not medical advice.

465calories21gprotein17gfiber