Vegetarian Shepard's Pie

About a year ago I read the "China Study" by T. Collin Campbell.  It is based on the longest running nutritional study ever done in the history of our time.  In a nut shell, what they found was the ability to turn on and off the cancer switch with animal protein.  Other diseases of affluence were included, like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity to name a few.  In their studies they found that when 20% or more animal protein was consumed, the switch for cancer and other diseases was on.  When the protein consumption was lowered to 5%, it was turned off.  I highly recommend reading the book or even starting with the documentary "Forks over Knives".  In our families efforts to eat meat more sparingly, I have discovered some wonderful vegetarian meals.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Vegetarian Shepard's Pie  

From 365 Better Homes and Gardens Vegetarian Cookbook

Wash, peal and boil 4-5 baking potatoes. Drain and place back into pan. Add 1/2 t. dried thyme. Add 1/4 - 1/3c milk or sour cream, a little butter if you want, salt and pepper to taste and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy.

While the potatoes are boiling place 1 c. lentils, 3 clove of garlic, chopped, 2 c. vegetable broth and 3/4 c. water in a large skillet and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Add 1 medium red onion, chopped and 4 medium carrots, chopped. Simmer for 10-15 minutes longer until vegetables and lentils are tender. Add 1 (14 oz.) can of Italian style diced tomatoes, 2 T. tomato paste, salt and pepper to taste.

Top the lentil mixture with mashed potatoes and 1 c. shredded cheese. Bake in the oven at 350` until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy! Make it vegan and use soy milk and soy cheese. I got this recipe from "Better Homes sand Gardens 365 vegetarian meals"