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VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE: A DELICIOUS AND HEARTY PLANT-BASED DISH
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s entirely plant-based, this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is exactly what you need. A rich and flavorful filling made with lentils, vegetables, and savory spices is topped with a creamy mashed potato topping that’s baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try a healthier twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, we’ll guide you through each step to create this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With hearty vegetables, protein-packed lentils, and a delicious mashed potato topping, it’s the perfect wholesome meal for any family dinner, holiday gathering, or weeknight feast.
INGREDIENTS FOR VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE
Before diving into the preparation, it’s important to gather all of the necessary ingredients for your Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll need:
FOR THE FILLING:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (button mushrooms or any variety)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 2 tbsp flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FOR THE MASHED POTATO TOPPING:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE: STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making this delicious Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
STEP 1: COOK THE LENTILS FOR THE FILLING
Start by cooking the lentils. Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan and cover them with 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Bring the broth to a boil on medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside.
STEP 2: SAUTE THE VEGETABLES
While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the diced carrots, chopped mushrooms, and peas (and corn, if using). Sauté the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
STEP 3: ADD SEASONINGS AND TOMATO PASTE
Next, add the tomato paste, soy sauce (or tamari), dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika to the pan with the vegetables. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste and spices are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, so that the flavors may combine.
STEP 4: THICKEN THE FILLING
Now, it’s time to thicken the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour flavor. Gradually add the cooked lentils to the pan, stirring to mix them into the vegetable filling. Pour in a little more vegetable broth (about 1/4 cup at a time) until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. Taste the filling and add salt and pepper as required.
STEP 5: MAKE THE MASHED POTATOES
While the filling is cooking, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook the potatoes for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the almond milk and vegan butter, and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a richer topping, you can add a bit more vegan butter or a splash of plant-based milk.
STEP 6: ASSEMBLE THE VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the lentil and vegetable filling into a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish and spread it out evenly. Next, spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. You can use a fork to create a textured pattern on top of the mashed potatoes for a crispy, golden finish.
STEP 7: BAKE THE VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. If you want an extra-crispy topping, you can broil the pie for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
STEP 8: SERVE AND ENJOY!
Once the Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve this delicious dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
VARIATIONS AND TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE
While this recipe is a classic Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences. Here are a few variations and tips to make your pie even more delicious:
VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE WITH SWEET POTATO TOPPING
For a slightly sweeter, vibrant topping, you can use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Simply peel and boil the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them with vegan butter and almond milk for a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
ADDITIONAL VEGETABLES
Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini, celery, or parsnips. These vegetables will enhance the texture and flavor of the pie.
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE
To make this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the filling. You can also use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten altogether.
USE A SIMPLY SAUCY FILLING
If you prefer a saucier filling, you can add more vegetable broth or even some coconut milk to create a creamier base. This variation is perfect if you like your shepherd’s pie with a bit more sauce to soak into the mashed potatoes.
MAKE IT SPICY
For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the vegetable filling. This adds a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy mashed potatoes on top.
CONCLUSION
This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie offers all the comfort of the classic dish without the meat and dairy, making it the perfect choice for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a hearty, plant-based meal. With its savory lentil and vegetable filling, creamy mashed potato topping, and the ability to customize to your liking, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.