Lentil Shepherds Pie

People don’t often think ‘wholesome’ or ‘hearty’ when it comes to a vegan meal. But I am here to tell you that plant-based meals can and should be filling and comforting. This Shepherds Pie is the perfect example.

The lentil base is filled with deep and warming flavors. The mash on top is made from cauliflower and parsnip because I’m not a big potato fan, but feel free to make the top with potato, or a mix of potato and cauliflower to make it less heavy!

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Lentil Shepherds Pie

Lentil Shepherds Pie

Ingredients

For The Mash
  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 1 large parsnip
  • 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese (I use Tofutti) - omit if you don't have this or sub with vegan butter.
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (I use soy)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper
For The Lentil Base
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion, thinly diced
  • 3 stalks of celery, thinly diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes, sliced into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp mixed herbs
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
  • 2.5 cups cooked green lentils
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

For The Mash
  1. Chop the cauliflower into small florets. Peel and chop the parsnip into small chunks.
  2. Steam (or boil) the cauliflower and parsnip until soft.
  3. Transfer the cooked veggies into a food processor along with the other mash ingredients. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
For The Lentil Base
  1. Preheat an oven to 450F.
  2. Heat a pan on a medium-low temperature. Add the olive oil.
  3. Then, add the onion and celery. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until soft. 
  4. Next, add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the diced fresh tomatoes, mixed herbs, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
  6. Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste and tamari. Stir to combine.
  7. Lastly, add the cooked green lentils and frozen peas. Let simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  8. To assemble, add the lentil base to a square baking dish. Then, spoon on the cauliflower mash on top. Spread evenly.
  9. Put the shepherds pie in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes until the top is slightly brown.
  10. Let cool for around 20 minutes, then enjoy !!
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @rooted_living_ on instagram and hashtag it #shepherdspie
rachel dombComment