Description
A hearty and comforting Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie featuring a savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection. This vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish is a nutritious twist on the classic British comfort food, packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetable Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften.
- Add Mushrooms and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Then add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and soy sauce, mixing well to combine.
- Combine Lentils and Broth: Add the cooked lentils and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer to blend all flavors together.
- Thicken Filling: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the filling thickens. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the lentil and vegetable filling evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes and optionally brush with melted butter to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
- For added vegetables, mix in frozen peas or corn to the filling.
- Try using sweet potato mash instead of regular mashed potatoes for a different flavor experience.
