Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Name: Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 piece Medium Sweet Onion, finely chopped; 3 clove Garlic, finely chopped; 2 tbsp Dried Basil; 1 tbsp Dried Oregano; 1 tsp Ground Cumin; dash Ground Cinnamon; dash Ground Cloves; 0.75 cup Tomato Purée; 2 tsp Tomato Paste; 1 tbsp Vegetable Broth Paste; 1.5 cups Cooked Lentils; 1 packet Veggie Ground Round; 2 cups Hot Water; 5 piece Large White Potatoes, peeled, cubed; 4 tbsp Almond Milk; 1 tbsp Vegan Butter; 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme

A delicious and hearty vegan version of the classic shepherd's pie, made with lentils and veggie ground round, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sweet onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 2

Add garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the onion is well coated and cook on low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 3

Add tomato purée, tomato paste, and vegetable broth paste. Stir well and increase heat to high.

Step 4

Add lentils and veggie ground round. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add hot water. Stir and bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until thick. Set aside.

Step 1

Boil water in a large stockpot and season with salt. Cook the potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Strain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add olive oil, almond milk, vegan butter, and fresh thyme. Mash until rich and creamy. Set aside.

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Transfer the 'meat mixture' into a 13x8-inch baking dish and flatten with a spatula.

Step 3

Dollop mashed potatoes onto the mixture and flatten. Use a fork to create marks for texture.

Step 4

Spray the mashed potatoes with oil for a golden color.

Step 5

Cook for 25 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6

Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with steamed greens or veggies.

Spraying the mashed potatoes with oil before baking adds a golden color.

This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for 2-3 months.

How do I make vegan shepherd's pie with lentils and veggie ground round?

To make vegan shepherd's pie, start by sautéing chopped sweet onion and garlic in olive oil. Add dried herbs and spices, then stir in tomato purée, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Mix in cooked lentils and veggie ground round, then simmer until thick. For the topping, boil and mash potatoes with almond milk, vegan butter, and fresh thyme. Layer the lentil mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, finishing with a quick broil for a golden crust.

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in vegan shepherd's pie?

If you don't have veggie ground round, you can substitute it with additional cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms for added texture. For the mashed potato topping, you can use coconut milk instead of almond milk, and if you prefer, you can replace vegan butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. Fresh thyme can be swapped with dried thyme or omitted if unavailable.

Can I store leftover vegan shepherd's pie, and how should I do it?

Yes, you can store leftover vegan shepherd's pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months; just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

What are some dietary considerations for vegan shepherd's pie?

Vegan shepherd's pie is a great option for those following a plant-based diet, as it contains no animal products. It's also suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce their cholesterol intake. However, if you're gluten-sensitive, ensure that the veggie ground round and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with vegan shepherd's pie for a complete meal?

Vegan shepherd's pie pairs wonderfully with steamed greens like broccoli or green beans, or a fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of crusty whole-grain bread for a heartier meal.