Name: Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; 4 cups mashed potatoes (made with plant-based milk and vegan butter); Salt and pepper to taste

why make this recipe

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal. Made with healthy ingredients, it is both nutritious and filling. This recipe is great for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. It’s a comforting classic that warms you up and brings everyone to the table.

how to make Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

1 cup lentils
2 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
4 cups mashed potatoes (made with plant-based milk and vegan butter)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a pot, cook the lentils in vegetable broth until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, peas, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the lentil mixture evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie can be served hot or warm. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

how to store Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

tips to make Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

For a creamier mashed potato topping, use more plant-based milk or vegan butter.
You can add other vegetables to the filling, like corn or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the lentil mixture.

variation

For a gluten-free version, make sure your vegetable broth and any additional ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different taste and added nutrients.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use canned lentils. Just rinse and drain them, and you can skip the cooking step.

Q: Is it possible to freeze Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure it is completely cool before storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I add more seasonings?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices as per your taste. Paprika, oregano, or even some nutritional yeast can enhance the flavor.