Hearty & Delicious Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs of russet potatoes
  • 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons of vegan butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 oz of cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 1 cup of corn kernels
  • 1 can of lentils (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 cup of vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the vegan butter, almond milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  4. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and have released their liquid.
  6. Add the peas, corn, and lentils to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle the vegetable mixture with the flour and stir to coat. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist on the traditional mashed potato topping.
  • Use a gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or almond flour, instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Experiment with different vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or butternut squash.
  • Add vegan cheese to the mashed potato topping for a cheesy Shepherd's Pie.
  • Try using cauliflower florets instead of potatoes for a low-carb version.
  • Substitute the lentils with cooked brown or green lentils for a heartier texture.
  • For a protein-packed option, replace the lentils with cooked chickpeas or black beans.
  • Add a layer of vegan gravy to the filling for extra richness and flavor.
  • Instead of baking the pie in a dish, use individual ramekins for mini Shepherd's Pies.
  • For a different crust, top the pie with a layer of puff pastry or phyllo dough.

Recipe overview

This hearty and comforting Vegan Shepherd's Pie is the perfect meal for a chilly evening. It's loaded with a savory mixture of vegetables, lentils, and mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich sauce and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The pie is then baked until golden and bubbling for a dish that is sure to satisfy. This recipe is quite simple to make, and it's a fantastic way to pack in plenty of veggies. With its familiar flavors and satisfying texture, it's a crowd-pleaser even for those not on a vegan diet. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and wholesome vegan take on a classic comfort food.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, while russet potatoes are commonly used for shepherd's pie, you can use other types such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes if desired.
  2. Can I substitute the almond milk with another non-dairy milk? Absolutely! You can use any non-dairy milk of your choice as a substitute for almond milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
  3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs? Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Keep in mind that the ratio is typically 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, you would use 3 teaspoons of fresh thyme.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour or a flour substitute such as cornstarch or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce.
  5. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the shepherd's pie in advance by following all the steps up until baking. Simply cover and refrigerate the assembled dish, then bake it when you're ready to serve. It may require a few extra minutes of baking time if it's chilled.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Shepherd's pie, a hearty dish filled with meat and vegetables and topped with a crust of mashed potatoes, originated in the United Kingdom. It was first known as "Cottage Pie" in the late 1700s, a term used for a pie made with any kind of meat and mashed potato. The term "Shepherd's Pie" didn't come about until the mid 1800s, and it was specifically used for pies made with mutton or lamb - the types of meat a shepherd would have at hand. Today, the dish can feature any array of vegetables and lentils, making it an adaptable feast for vegans and vegetarians. And so, from the rolling hills of the British Isles, the humble Shepherd's Pie has evolved to become a global comfort food, continuing to warm hearts and bellies alike, regardless of dietary preferences.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.