Ah, shepherd’s pie—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. But what if I told you it could be just as comforting without the meat? Enter this vegetarian version, which swaps traditional lamb for a medley of hearty veggies and lentils. Who knew being green could taste so good?
Steps
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and boil them until they are tender enough to be easily mashed. Drain the water, then mash them while incorporating Greek yogurt and butter. Season with salt to your liking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add minced shallots and sauté until they become fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, and whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme, cooking until the carrots are softened.
- Create the Gravy: Mix tomato paste and flour into the pot, stirring well. Pour in the red wine and deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits. Allow the wine to cook off for a minute before gradually adding vegetable broth, stirring to create a thick gravy. Season with salt and let it simmer.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the herbs from the pot and stir in the frozen peas. Spread the mashed potatoes over the vegetable mixture, optionally brushing with butter for extra flavor. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, and finish on the broil setting for a few minutes to achieve a golden-brown top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop a generous portion onto your plate and enjoy a comforting, cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 shallots, minced (or substitute with onions and garlic)
- 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 6 carrots, peeled and chopped (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 to 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 6 Yukon gold potatoes (around 2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup butter or olive oil
- Salt to taste
FAQ
- Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the flour and integrate about 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes into the vegetable and liquid mix to create a “gravy.” It’s both simple and delicious.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
- Yes! Substitute olive oil for butter and use a non-dairy milk alternative instead of Greek yogurt to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Can I add meat to the vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie?
- While the mushrooms provide a delightful umami and “meaty” taste, you can add browned ground meat to the gravy mixture if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
- What are some tips for making the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
- Incorporating Greek yogurt into the mashed potatoes not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content. For a vegan version, use olive oil and a splash of non-dairy milk for a similar creamy texture.
- How can I use up leftover mashed potatoes with this recipe?
- This vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is an excellent way to use any leftover mashed potatoes you might have after a holiday meal, making it a convenient and tasty option for reducing food waste.
Tips
- Customize for Dietary Preferences: To make the recipe vegan, swap butter with olive oil and use non-dairy milk instead of Greek yogurt in the mashed potatoes. For a gluten-free option, skip the flour and mix in about 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes to thicken the gravy.
- Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Use fresh rosemary and thyme for a robust flavor. Remember to remove the herbs before baking to avoid an overpowering taste. If you’re not a fan of red wine, you can replace it with additional vegetable broth.
- Get the Perfect Texture: For a diverse texture in the filling, chop half of the mushrooms finely and leave the rest in slices. This creates a satisfying variety in each bite.
- Optimize Baking: For an extra crispy top, brush the mashed potatoes with butter or olive oil before baking. Finish off with a few minutes under the broiler setting to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
- Potato masher or ricer
- Instant Pot (if using for the mashed potatoes)
- Broiler-safe baking dish (if not using a Dutch oven)
- Silicone pastry brush (for brushing butter on top of mashed potatoes)
