Craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this Light Vegan Shepherd's Pie – a plant-based twist on the classic comfort food that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, this recipe proves that vegan meals can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional dishes. Whether you're a committed vegan, a curious foodie, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this shepherd's pie is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain them completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat until vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add cooked lentils to the vegetable mixture, stirring in thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the lentil and vegetable mixture to a 9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Spread prepared mashed potatoes in an even layer over the lentil mixture, creating a smooth top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Lentil Love: Make sure to rinse your lentils thoroughly and avoid overcooking. You want them tender but not mushy to maintain the perfect texture.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize the filling and boost nutritional value.
- Potato Perfection: For an extra creamy and flavorful mashed potato topping, try adding roasted garlic, nutritional yeast, or a splash of plant-based milk.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Crispy Top Secret: For a golden, crispy potato topping, brush the mashed potatoes with a little olive oil before baking or use a fork to create textured peaks that will brown beautifully.
- Leftover Love: This shepherd's pie reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
