Hearty and Delicious Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – A Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Dish

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that's loved by many. Traditionally made with ground meat, this vegan version swaps it out for lentils to create a hearty and healthy plant-based meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, this vegan lentil shepherd's pie recipe is a delicious twist on the traditional dish. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a potluck with friends.

Ingredients: For the filling:

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the carrots and celery, and cook until softened.
4. Add the lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. While the lentil filling is cooking, make the mashed potatoes. In a separate pot, boil the potatoes until they are soft and tender. Drain and mash the potatoes with vegan butter, non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the lentil filling to a large baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the lentil mixture, using a fork to create decorative lines.
8. Bake the lentil shepherd's pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion: This vegan lentil shepherd's pie recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic dish. By using lentils instead of ground meat, you can create a hearty and flavorful filling that's packed with protein and nutrients. The mashed potatoes on top add a creamy and comforting texture that's perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Give this vegan lentil shepherd's pie recipe a try and enjoy a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food!