Why Make This Recipe
Vegan shepherd’s pie is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any vegetarian or vegan meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables and lentils, it offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. It’s comforting, easy to make, and great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. Plus, it’s a healthy option without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
- 1 medium leek, cut into roughly 5mm/¼in slices
- 250g/9oz chestnut mushrooms, sliced or halved, depending on size
- 1 medium courgette, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 x 400g tins lentils, drained and rinsed
- 100ml/3½fl oz red wine (vegan-friendly) or water
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tbsp yeast extract, such as Marmite
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- Sea salt and ground black pepper
- 1kg/2lb 4oz floury potatoes, ideally Maris Piper, peeled and cut into roughly 5cm/2in chunks
- 100ml/3½fl oz plant-based milk, such as almond or soya
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
Directions:
- To make the filling, heat the olive oil in a large, wide-based non-stick saucepan or sauté pan. Add the onion, celery, and leek, and gently fry for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add the mushrooms and courgette, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for just a few seconds more.
- Mix in the carrots, chopped tomatoes, drained lentils, 300ml of water, wine (or use extra water), tomato purée, yeast extract, mixed herbs, and crumbled stock cube. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook this mixture for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit more water if necessary, aiming for a thick sauce that can support the potatoes. Adjust the seasoning as you like, being generous with black pepper.
- While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the mash. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes or until very soft.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
- Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return to the pan. Mash them with almond milk, olive oil, and nutritional yeast, adding more milk for a light and fluffy texture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the lentil mixture into a 2.5 liter ovenproof dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes gently on top, fluffing the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top is pale golden-brown and bubbling. If needed, use a hot grill to brown the top for a couple of minutes. Serve hot.
How to Serve Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Serve your vegan shepherd’s pie warm from the oven. It’s great on its own or with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You can also pair it with some crusty bread for an even heartier meal.
How to Store Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shepherd’s pie for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it down first and use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
- Make sure to season the filling well; a good amount of black pepper enhances the overall flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you might have on hand, such as peas or corn.
- If you want a creamier mash, consider adding a bit of vegan butter along with the almond milk.
Variation
You can add a layer of vegetables in between the lentil filling and the mashed potatoes for added texture. Try frozen peas or sweetcorn for a burst of sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and mash a day before, store them separately, and combine them for baking just before serving.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! You can use other floury potatoes, but Maris Piper or Yukon Gold potatoes create the best mash.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure that your vegetable stock cube and yeast extract are gluten-free. Substitute any ingredients that may contain gluten with certified gluten-free options.
