Craving a guilt-free comfort food that will revolutionize your dinner table? Prepare to be amazed by our Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie - a vegan twist on the classic that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers forget about traditional recipes! This innovative dish transforms humble cauliflower into a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious. With a golden, crispy top and a vegetable-packed base, this shepherd's pie proves that plant-based eating can be both satisfying and spectacular.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing thoroughly and cutting into small florets, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Steam the cauliflower florets in a large pot with vegetable broth for approximately 10-12 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While cauliflower is steaming, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a medium-sized baking dish with light cooking spray or oil.
- Drain the steamed cauliflower and transfer to a food processor or high-powered blender. Add nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the cauliflower mixture until smooth and creamy, creating a mashed potato-like consistency. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté the mixed vegetables with thyme until they are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the mashed cauliflower over the vegetable layer, creating a smooth and even top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set.
Tips
- For the smoothest mashed cauliflower, ensure you drain the florets thoroughly after steaming to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a high-powered blender or food processor to achieve a truly creamy texture that mimics mashed potatoes.
- Don't skip the nutritional yeast - it adds a cheesy flavor that makes this dish irresistibly tasty.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting your mixed vegetables before layering them in the baking dish.
- Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- If you want a slightly crispy top, consider broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Feel free to customize your vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
