Easy Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe | Hearty & Delicious

Shepherd’s Pie, a beloved British comfort food, has long been known for its rich, savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie recipe offers a plant-based twist on the traditional dish, substituting meat with hearty vegetables and lentils, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal. Packed with flavor, this vegetarian version provides the same comforting appeal but with a healthy and cruelty-free approach. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to enjoy a delicious meat-free meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, check for vegetarian-friendly versions)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (e.g., almond, oat)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 40 minutes

Resting Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

Nutrition:

• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Sugar: 5g

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Equipment:

• Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Potato masher
• Baking dish (around 9×9 inches or similar)
• Ladle or spoon

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Instructions:

For the Filling:

1. Cook the lentils: Start by cooking the lentils. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender, then drain any excess water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
4. Simmer the filling: Add the cooked lentils, peas, corn (optional), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the potatoes: While the filling simmers, place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add plant milk and vegan butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spoon the vegetable-lentil mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the filling using a spatula or spoon. You can use the back of the spoon to create some texture on the top, which will crisp up nicely during baking.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
5. Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

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Cuisines:

• British
• Comfort Food
• Plant-based

Course:

• Main Course

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie:

1. Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best for the filling, as they hold their shape better than red lentils. They also provide a meaty texture, making them an excellent substitute for ground meat.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Make sure the mashed potatoes are creamy, and don’t skimp on the vegan butter and plant milk. This adds a lot of flavor and ensures a smooth, rich texture.
3. Add more veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like parsnips, butternut squash, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, just assemble and cook in the oven for 20 minutes.
5. Freezing: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie freezes well. To freeze, assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake it directly from the freezer, allowing 50 minutes in the oven.

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Conclusion:

This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is an ultimate comfort food, filled with nourishing lentils, vegetables, and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is hearty, nutritious, and loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a great weeknight meal that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Try this delicious, wholesome twist on a classic British recipe today!