why make this recipe
Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. It’s a creative twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, embracing rich Indian spices and vibrant vegetables. Not only is it delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a wholesome family dinner. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to suit vegan diets. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes!
how to make Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold, red, or any thin-skinned) (OR use 5 cups leftover mashed potatoes, with curry powder)
- 4 tablespoons ghee, butter, or vegan butter (ghee tastes the BEST)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 cup milk (or nut milk), half and half, or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 teaspoons yellow curry powder, more to taste
- 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils (3/4 cup – 1 cup dry)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, rough chopped
- 2 cups diced carrot (2-3 carrots)
- 2 cups diced celery (2-3 ribs)
- 2 teaspoons garam masala, more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried fenugreek leaves
- 1 cup veggie broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (or corn, or green beans – or use fresh)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 3 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 1/4 cups warm veggie broth
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with ghee, yogurt, milk, salt, pepper, and curry powder. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat ghee or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the lentils, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and fenugreek leaves. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in veggie broth and bring to a simmer. Add frozen peas and mix well.
- In another pan, heat ghee or olive oil, add cumin seeds and fennel seeds, and let them sizzle for a minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually add warm veggie broth, stirring constantly until you get a thick sauce. Mix the sauce with the lentil and vegetable mixture.
- In a baking dish, layer the lentil mix, and top with the mashed potatoes.
- Smooth the top with a spatula. You can create peaks for a lovely look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
how to serve Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Serve Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie hot, directly from the oven, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a nice touch.
how to store Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
To store leftovers, let the pie cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker preparation.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add more curry powder or garam masala if you prefer a spicier dish.
- For a creamier potatoes topping, incorporate more butter or cream into the mash.
- Feel free to substitute any vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
variation
You can tweak the filling by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For a keto version, you can replace potatoes with cauliflower mash. If you want a vegan option, simply replace yogurt, milk, and ghee with plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using canned lentils can save you time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe.
3. What can I serve with Indian Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie?
It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it with flatbreads like naan or chapati.
