Lentil Shepherd's Pie
Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a hearty and flavorful vegan twist on the classic comfort dish. It features a savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Here's a recipe for a delicious Lentil Shepherd's Pie.
Ingredients
For the Lentil Filling:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
2 tablespoons vegan butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lentils: In a saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork. Add the plant-based milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the mushrooms, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture.
Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Transfer the lentil filling to a baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top, covering the lentil filling completely.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set.
Serve the Lentil Shepherd's Pie warm and enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of the savory lentil filling and creamy mashed potatoes. It's a satisfying and wholesome dish that will surely become a favorite!