Ingredients
For the Lentil-Quinoa Filling
- 1 cup cooked French green lentils (cooked according to package directions)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooked according to package directions)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced (~1 1/2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (can use gluten free)
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 4-5 cups peeled, diced yellow potatoes
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/3 cup nondairy milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and dice yellow potatoes into uniform pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Transfer them to a large bowl and mash with vegan butter and nondairy milk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and cook another 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Carrots and Peas: Stir in sliced carrots and peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Combine Lentils and Quinoa: Add the cooked French green lentils and quinoa to the skillet with vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Season and Thicken Filling: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring well to coat evenly. Pour in 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the lentil and quinoa filling evenly in a baking dish. Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing the surface with a spatula or fork to create texture for a crispy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps set the pie for cleaner portions and enhances flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if desired for a gluten-free version.
- If using frozen peas, thaw them before adding to the filling for best texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a richer mashed potato topping, add a little garlic powder or nutritional yeast.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan