Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Red Lentils

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
2. Scrub the potatoes and poke each a few times with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for 1 hour, or until very soft and the skins are beginning to separate from the flesh.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the red lentils with water, bring to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until very soft. If there is little cooking liquid left and it is slightly thick, leave it – if it seems too watery, pour some of the excess water off.
4. Halve the roasted potatoes and scoop out the flesh; transfer to a bowl. Add the lentils, maple syrup, orange juice, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash altogether until well blended.
5. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a covered dish in a 250˚F oven until serving time.