Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Filling, Cozy, and Tasty
A delectable plant-based version of the traditional British dish is vegan shepherd’s pie. Traditionally made with mashed potatoes and minced beef, this variation substitutes lentils and vegetables for a hearty, satisfying, and equally comfortable supper. Both vegans and non-vegans enjoy it because it’s simple to prepare and ideal for meal planning. Now let’s get started with the recipe!
Substances:
One tablespoon of olive oil is needed for the filling.
One big onion, chopped finely; two minced cloves garlic; two medium carrots, diced; and one cup green lentils (or a can of washed and drained lentils)
Frozen peas 1 cup
One cup of chopped mushrooms and one tablespoon of tomato paste
- Two tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free)
500 milliliters of vegetable stock
One teaspoon of thyme
One teaspoon of rosemary - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Season with salt and pepper.
For the mashed potato topping: – 4 1/4 cups plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) – 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil – 6 large potatoes (like Maris Piper), peeled and chopped
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Directives:
First,
get the potatoes ready.Bring the potatoes to a boil. Cut the potatoes into uniformly sized pieces after peeling them. Bring them to a boil in a big pot of salted water. Cook until the potatoes are tender and pierced easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes: After draining, put the potatoes back in the pot. Mash in the plant-based milk and vegan butter until smooth and creamy. To taste, add salt and pepper. While you make the filling, set aside.
The second step is to prepare the filling.
First, sauté the vegetables. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots garlic, and onion sand sauté until the onions are tender and transparent, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms and simmer for a further three to four minutes, or until they soften and release their juices.
In the pan, combine the frozen peas and lentils. If using dried lentils, rinse them thoroughly before adding them. Before adding canned lentils, drain and rinse them.
- Season the filling: Add the smoked paprika, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. After adding the vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a simmer. Stirring occasionally, let the mixture cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft if using dried lentils. As it cooks, the filling should get thicker. To taste, add salt and pepper.
Step 3: Put the Pie Together
1. Set the oven’s temperature to 200°C (400°F).
- Spread the filling: Evenly distribute the lentil and vegetable mixture in a wide ovenproof dish.
- Put the mashed potatoes in there: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, distribute the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling. If desired, you can make beautiful ridges on the surface with a fork. The top will crisp up nicely as a result.
The shepherd’s pie should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is golden and beginning to crisp up around the edges.
- You can put the pie under the grill (broiler) for a further three to five minutes to get a crispy top. To avoid burning it, keep a watch on it.
Step 5: Present and Savor
Before serving, take the pie out of the oven and leave it for a few minutes. The filling will set better as a result. For a full dinner, serve warm, maybe with a simple green salad or a side of green vegetables like steamed broccoli.
Guidelines for the Greatest Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: –
Lentils are an excellent meat alternative, adding protein and a substantial texture. Because they maintain their shape nicely during cooking, you can use green lentils or brown lentils for this dish.
To make the filling bulkier, feel free to add additional veggies like sweetcorn, leeks, or celery.
- Before baking, scatter some nutritional yeast over the mashed potatoes to add a hint of cheesiness and flavor.
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to eat it. It’s ideal for meal prep because it freezes well as well.
The Reason This Recipe Is Effective:
With no animal ingredients, this vegan shepherd’s pie preserves the hearty flavor of the classic meal. Rich, savory lentil filling and tender mashed potatoes combine to create a flavorful and filling dish that’s ideal for family gatherings or the winter months.
Savor this filling dish with loved ones, knowing that it’s full of plant-based deliciousness and minerals!
