A Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty recipe with lentils? Look no further than this vegetarian shepherds pie!

If you love a recipe with lentils, then you must try this beetroot ricotta salad recipe with lentils, honestly it's an all round crowd pleaser! Or if you love smothering your shepherds pie in tomato sauce, then you must try my tomato shepherds pie recipe! I also make a delicious low fodmap spaghetti made with lentils too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with protein and fibre, lentils are not only a nutritious choice but also add a great 'meaty' texture to this classic comfort dish that is usually made with animal products. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian / vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The rich red wine sauce is perfectly combined with the thyme and rosemary in the tender lentil and vegetable layer and is topped with a creamy potato topping.

This vegetarian shepherd's pie is a crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a wholesome and filling recipe with lentils that will please even the most discerning palates!

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. As a vegan and vegetarian protein source, lentils are rich in essential amino acids that help build and repair tissues in the body. Additionally, lentils are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Lentils are also packed with important vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to overall heart health, immune function, and energy production. Incorporating lentils into your diet can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall well-being.

When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cooking, lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Their earthy and nutty flavor pairs well with a wide range of spices and vegetables, making them a perfect choice for this vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe.

Step By Step Instructions For This Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Gather The Ingredients

To make this vegan shepherds pie, you will need the following ingredients:

Shepherds Pie Filling:

• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200 grams button mushrooms (can also use shiitake), sliced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 2 ½ cups of cooked brown lentils
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Red Wine Gravy:

• 2 tablespoon plain white flour
• ½ cup of red wine
• 2 cups of vegetable stock (plus some more for cooking if making this oil free)
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Mashed Potato:

• 6 large white potatoes (totalling to 1kg)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• ½ cup of unsweetened plant milk
• 1 teaspoon salt (and more to taste)

Topping

• 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Step by Step Instructions For This Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Lentils

Shepherds Pie Red Wine Gravy

1. In a pot add the tomato paste, flour, and red wine and mixed until well combined (approx 2 minutes) on a medium heat.
2. Slowly add the 2 cups of vegetable stock whilst whisking
3. Turn off heat or transfer immediately to the large pot or pan with the Shepherds pie filling.

Shepherd's Pie Filling

1. In a large pot or pan, cook the brown onion until fragrant with either oil or vegetable stock. Add the mushrooms, fresh herbs, and sauté.
2. Pour the shepherds pie gravy into the pot and add the lentils and frozen pea's.
3. Bring the pot to boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes
4. Turn off the heat and remove the sprigs of rosemary and thyme. The leaves will remain in the mix but the sticks will need to be removed.

Make The Mashed Potato

1. Boil until soft (approx 15 minutes). The potatoes are ready once a butter knife can easily slice through the potato.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes
3. Drain the potatoes and add back to the large pot
4. Mash the potatoes and add the unsweetened plant milk, salt, and 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
5. Use a large spoon to mix the mash ingredients together

Combine the Ingredients To Make The Pie

1. In a deep baking dish (round or rectangle), pour the shepherds pie filling.
2. Using a large spoon, spread the mashed potato evenly on top.
3. Mix the topping (melted butter and nutritional yeast) and brush over the potato layer.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes on 180 degrees (350F), or until the top starts to brown Make sure to keep an eye on the pie as the shepherds pie filling will begin to boil and bubble trough the mashed potato. Remove from the oven immediately if you notice this.

Variations and Substitutions For The Recipe

This vegan shepherds pie is a versatile dish and be customised to suit your preferences or suited to whatever ingredients you have available. Some suggestions include:

• Lentils: Try different types of lentils, such as red or black lentils.
• Beans: Try different beans such as kidney beans, black beans or cannoli beans. You can also try a combination of beans (I have done this before with these 3 suggestions beans)
• More Veggies: Add additional veggies to the filling such as zucchinis or carrots.
• Cheese: For those that are not vegan, instead of nutritional yeast on top of the pie, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the mashed potato topping before baking.
• Canned or Dried Beans?: This recipe calls for canned beans to save on cooking time, but you can cook them from scratch too.
• Gluten Free: If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure that the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and flour are gluten free.
• Herbs: If you don't have rosemary or thyme, try using fresh basil instead
• Fresh or Dried Herbs: The fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs instead. Use 2 teaspoon of rosemary or thyme instead.
• Sweet Potatoes: For a healthier option, swap the white potatoes for a sweet potato. This is both healthier and delicious, depending on your tastebuds!

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again.

I Hope You Enjoyed This Vegan Shepherds Pie Recipe With Lentils!

If you really loved it (or didn't!) then I'd love to know! Please leave me a review and ask me any questions below!

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

A hearty vegan or vegetarian recipe for a shepherds pie recipe with lentils. Made with a delicious red wine gravy and fresh herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings 6 people

Calories 748 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Shepherds Pie Filling

• 1 brown onion finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves crushed
• 200 grams button mushrooms shiitake can also be used
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cans brown lentils equivalent to 2.5 cups of cooked lentils
• olive oil or vegetable stock for cooking

Red Wine Gravy

• 2 tablespoon plain white flour
• ½ cup red wine
• 2 cups vegetable stock

Mashed Potato

• 6 large white potatoes peeled and cut
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• ½ cup unsweetened plant milk
• 1 teaspoon salt taste and add more if needed

Mashed Potato Topping

• 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Instructions

 

Red Wine Gravy

• In a pot add the tomato paste, flour, and red wine and mixed until well combined (approx 2 minutes) on a medium heat.
  
• Slowly add the 2 cups of vegetable stock whilst whisking
  
• Turn off heat or transfer immediately to the large pot or pan with the Shepherds pie filling. 
  

Shepherds Pie Filling

• In a large pot or pan, cook the brown onion until fragrant with either oil or vegetable stock. Add the mushrooms, fresh herbs, and sauté. 
  
• Pour the shepherds pie gravy into the pot and add the lentils and frozen pea's.
  
• Bring the pot to boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes 
  
• Turn off the heat and remove the sprigs of rosemary and thyme. The leaves will remain in the mix but the sticks will need to be removed. 
  

Mashed Potato Top

• Peel and cut the potatoes
  
• Boil until soft (approx 15 minutes). The potatoes are ready once a butter knife can easily slice through the potato.
  
• Drain the potatoes and add back to the large pot
  
• Mash the potatoes and add the unsweetened plant milk, salt, and 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  
• Use a large spoon to mix the mash ingredients together 
  

Combine The Pie

• In a deep baking dish (round or rectangle), pour the shepherds pie filling.
  
• Using a large spoon, spread the mashed potato evenly on top.
  
• Mix the topping (melted butter and nutritional yeast) and brush over the potato layer.
  
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes on 180 degrees (350F), or until the top starts to brown Make sure to keep an eye on the pie as the shepherds pie filling will begin to boil and bubble trough the mashed potato. Remove from the oven immediately if you notice this. 
  

Nutrition

Calories: 748kcalCarbohydrates: 127gProtein: 45gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 764mgPotassium: 2379mgFiber: 50gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 636IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 13mg

Keyword recipe with lentils, Vegan Dinner

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