This savory vegan shepherd's pie is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter night. It's made with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes on top of a savory lentil and vegetable filling. The lentils and vegetables are simmered in a flavorful broth until they're tender, and the potatoes are mashed with milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. The pie is then baked in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
Shepherd's pie is a classic British dish that is typically made with ground lamb or beef. However, this vegan version is just as delicious and satisfying, and it's much healthier too. The lentils and vegetables provide a good source of protein and fiber, and the potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. If you have any leftover carrots, celery, or onions, feel free to add them to the filling.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can lentils, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in lentils, black beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mash potatoes until smooth.
Spread the lentil mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with mashed potatoes.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Why It Works
The lentils and vegetables are simmered in a flavorful broth until they're tender, which helps to develop their flavor.
The potatoes are mashed with milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste, which gives them a creamy and flavorful texture.
The pie is baked in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot, which helps to create a crispy crust and a flavorful interior.