Vegan Shepherdless Pie Recipe

Hearty Vegan Shepherdless Pie Recipe: A Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish!

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Vegan Shepherdless Pie recipe, a plant-based twist on the beloved comfort food classic. This wholesome dish features a flavorful medley of lentils, vegetables, and savory mushroom gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with a hearty vegan meal, this shepherdless pie will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Let’s dive into creating this delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentil Filling: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
3. Prepare the Mushroom Gravy: Sprinkle the cooked vegetables with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and flour (or cornstarch) until well combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
4. Combine the Filling: Add the cooked lentils and frozen peas to the skillet with the mushroom gravy, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Make the Mashed Potato Topping: While the filling is cooking, place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add almond milk and vegan butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the lentil filling to a large baking dish or individual ramekins. Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the filling, smoothing the surface with a spoon or spatula.
7. Bake the Shepherdless Pie: Place the assembled pie(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the mashed potatoes are lightly golden on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the shepherdless pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this vegan twist on a classic dish!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations, Tips, and Serving Suggestions:

Cheesy Cauliflower Topping: For a low-carb twist, swap the mashed potato topping for mashed cauliflower. Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender, then mash with vegan butter, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt for a creamy and flavorful alternative.

Soy-Free Option: If you have a soy allergy or prefer to avoid soy products, replace the almond milk with oat milk, rice milk, or coconut milk in the mashed potato topping. These alternatives provide a creamy texture without the use of soy.

Heritage Grain Variation: Add depth of flavor and texture to the lentil filling by incorporating cooked heritage grains such as farro, barley, or quinoa. These ancient grains lend a nutty flavor and chewy texture, enhancing the heartiness of the dish.

Spice it Up: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lentil filling. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for a zesty twist on this comforting classic.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the shepherdless pie in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply assemble the pie as instructed, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Freezing Instructions: This shepherdless pie freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Once assembled and baked, let the pie cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with Red Wine: Serve the shepherdless pie alongside a glass of your favorite red wine, such as a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Pinot Noir, to complement the earthy flavors of the dish.

Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle the finished pie with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Crunchy Side Salad: Accompany the pie with a crisp side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radishes tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Comforting Soup: Serve a bowl of hearty vegetable soup alongside the shepherdless pie for a cozy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

With its hearty lentil and vegetable filling, savory mushroom gravy, and creamy mashed potato topping, our Vegan Shepherdless Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this plant-based twist on a classic favorite is sure to impress. Get creative with variations and serving suggestions to make it your own, and savor the nourishing goodness of this comforting meal!