Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: A Tasty Take on a Traditional Recipe
Look no further than this Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie if you’re in the mood for a meaty, savory, and comforting dish with a twist. Your taste senses will be transported to the colorful, spice-filled streets of Morocco by this recipe, which combines savory lentils, veggies, and aromatic spices with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes.
We’ll take you through the process of creating this delectable and prep-ahead meal in this blog. This Moroccan-inspired shepherd’s pie is the ideal recipe for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a crowd, organizing your weekly menu, or just in the need for something fresh and filling.
The Reasons Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Will Win Your Heart
- Rich, Aromatic Flavors: The spices turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cumin give the meal depth and warmth while putting a distinctive spin on shepherd’s pie.
Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is as nourishing as it is tasty, thanks to its protein-rich lentils, fiber-rich veggies, and anti-inflammatory spices. - Vegan and Gluten-Free: This dish is ideal for a variety of dietary preferences and constraints because it is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is ideal for meal prep because it can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator or freezer for easy access whenever you want.
Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Card
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
For the Filling | |
Green or brown lentils (rinsed) | 1 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Carrot (diced) | 1 large |
Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
Zucchini (chopped) | 1 |
Frozen peas | 1 cup |
Canned diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz), drained |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
Ground turmeric | 1/2 tsp |
Ground ginger | 1/4 tsp |
Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
Vegetable broth | 2 cups |
Salt | 1 tsp (to taste) |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Lemon juice | Juice of 1/2 lemon |
Raisins or currants (optional) | 1/4 cup |
For the Mashed Potato Topping | |
Potatoes (peeled and chopped) | 4 medium |
Vegan butter | 2 tbsp |
Plant-based milk (unsweetened) | 1/4 cup |
Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional) | For garnish |
Instructions
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes | Boil the chopped potatoes in water for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with vegan butter, plant-based milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside. |
2. Cook the Lentils | In a small pot, cook lentils in 3 cups of water for 20-25 minutes. Drain and set aside. |
3. Sauté Vegetables | In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes, then add garlic, carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. |
4. Add Spices and Tomatoes | Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and peas. |
5. Combine Lentils & Season | Add cooked lentils, raisins (optional), and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes. |
6. Assemble the Pie | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer the lentil filling in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and smooth out evenly. |
7. Bake | Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and crispy. |
8. Garnish & Serve | Let the pie cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve! |
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, store in the fridge, and assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Customize: Add or swap vegetables based on your preferences, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, or eggplant.
- For Extra Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking for added texture.
Enjoy your delicious Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie!
To make the mashed potato topping, peel and chop four medium potatoes. Add two tablespoons of vegan butter (or olive oil).
A quarter cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, including oat, soy, or almond milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Salt and pepper, according to taste – Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley
Detailed Directions for Making Vegan Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie
The first step is to prepare the mashed potato topping. To do this, put the chopped potatoes in a big saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes.
Second, mash the potatoes: After draining, put the potatoes back in the pot. Add plant-based milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegan butter (or olive oil). The potatoes should be mashed until they are creamy and smooth. Put aside.
Step 2: Create the Inspired Moroccan Filling
- Prepare the lentils: Heat 3 cups of water in a small pot until it boils. After rinsing, add the lentils and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are soft but not soggy. After draining any extra water, set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a big saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for five to seven minutes, or until it becomes tender. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 to 7 more minutes.
- Insert the spices: Add the ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne, if using. Let the spices bloom and release their aroma by cooking for one to two minutes.
- Incorporate the tomatoes and liquids: Mix in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and chopped tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the flavors combine and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
Combine the lentils: Put the peas and cooked lentils in the pan. After combining everything, simmer for a further five to ten minutes. Finally, squeeze in some lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. To add a little sweetness, mix in the raisins or currants if using.
Step 3: Put the Shepherd’s Pie together
- Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Layer the filling: Spoon the Moroccan lentil and veggie filling into a 9 x 9-inch (or comparable size) baking dish that has been oiled. To make a consistent base, spread it out equally. - Add mashed potatoes on top: Using a spatula, smooth up the mashed potatoes after spooning them over the contents. Make beautiful peaks on the mashed potato surface with the back of a spoon.
The pie should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is brown and just beginning to crisp up.
When the shepherd’s pie is done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing and serving. Add some fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish for some color and freshness.
How to Make the Greatest Vegan Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie
Customize the filling: You are welcome to change the filling or add vegetables. You can change the spices to your liking, and you could add potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach.
To make it hotter, you can add more cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chilies to the mixture.
- Add a crunchy topping: Before baking, top the mashed potatoes with chopped nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts) or breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Prep it in advance: This dish is ideal for meal planning. The mashed potatoes and filling can be made in advance and kept separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, just put everything together and bake.
Freezing: The whole shepherd’s pie can be frozen for up to three months without baking. Before baking, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reasons to Enjoy This Recipe
The traditional comfort dish is given a fun and fulfilling twist with this Moroccan Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. Both familiar and unusual flavors are added by the combination of spices and the hint of sweetness from raisins, if you decide to use them. This meal is ideal for important occasions as well as informal family dinners.
The best thing is that guests with dietary restrictions may easily enjoy this recipe because it is entirely plant-based and gluten-free. You and your guests will want more after eating this satisfying and healthy dish.
Try this recipe for a vegan shepherd’s pie tonight for a filling and tasty meal that brings Moroccan spices to your table!