This hearty and flavorful vegan shepherd's pie is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night. The filling is packed with lentils, mushrooms, carrots, and celery, and the sweet potato topping is creamy and golden brown. The best part? It can all be cooked in the air fryer, so it's easy to clean up.
Shepherd's pie is a classic British dish that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally made with lamb or mutton, but over time, it has evolved to include a variety of different fillings, including beef, pork, and even vegetables. This vegan version of shepherd's pie is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a plant-based diet. The lentils provide a good source of protein, and the vegetables add plenty of fiber and nutrients. The sweet potato topping is a great way to add a bit of sweetness and creaminess to the dish. I first developed this recipe a few years ago when I was looking for a vegan alternative to traditional shepherd's pie. I experimented with a few different fillings, but I finally settled on this one because it had the best flavor and texture. I've been making it ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup frozen peas
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
Add the mushrooms, carrots and celery and cook until softened.
Stir in the lentils, peas, tomato sauce and vegetable broth.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Transfer the mixture to an air fryer safe dish.
Top with the mashed sweet potatoes.
Cook in the air fryer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Why It Works
The air fryer cooks the shepherd's pie evenly, resulting in a crispy topping and a tender filling.
The lentils provide a good source of protein and fiber.
The vegetables add plenty of flavor and nutrients.
The sweet potato topping is a delicious and creamy way to finish off the dish.