Vegan Shepherd's Pie: A Hearty Plant-Based Twist on a Classic Dish
Shepherd's pie is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally made with meat and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this savoury and satisfying dish is a staple in many households. But what if you could enjoy all the warmth and flavour of shepherd's pie while embracing a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of creating a delicious vegan shepherd's pie that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling nourished. Get ready to indulge in a hearty and compassionate twist on this classic dish.
Vegan shepherd's pie, also known as cottage pie, originated in the United Kingdom and has since become popular worldwide. Traditionally, it is made with ground lamb or beef, mixed with vegetables, and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of flavours and textures creates a comforting and filling meal.
To create a vegan shepherd's pie, we'll replace the meat with hearty plant-based ingredients that deliver the same satisfying experience. Instead of lamb or beef, we'll use black beans, quinoa, and a medley of vegetables to create a flavourful and protein-packed base.
Black beans are a staple in many cuisines around the world and offer numerous health benefits. These small, black legumes are packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to this incredibly delicious vegan shepherd’s pie recipe. Black beans also contain iron, magnesium, and folate, supporting overall health and energy levels. They have a rich, earthy flavour and a creamy texture when cooked.
Meanwhile, quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain-like seed that has gained popularity in recent years. Native to South America, quinoa is known for its high protein content, making it an excellent choice to bulk up this vegan shepherd’s pie recipe. It is also gluten-free and packed with essential amino acids, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor and a light, fluffy texture when cooked. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to soups and breakfast bowls.
Other Vegan Comfort Food Favourites:
Besides this incredibly wholesome vegan shepherd’s pie recipe, you need to check out some of my other vegan comfort food recommendations:
Vegan Sloppy Joes using TVP: Sloppy Joes is an iconic American dish that has been served and altered over many generations, but the main basis remains - sloppy meat that is cooked loose and is an absolute handful to keep in your bun! This vegan sloppy joes needs to be experienced.
Vegan Bolognese Risotto: Combining two classic comfort foods with this hearty and flavoursome vegan bolognese risotto - it’s creamy, flavoursome and completely wholesome
Vegan Potato Stew: Another vegan comfort food is this vegan potato stew that is packed with rich flavours and made with simple ingredients - making this the ultimate vegan comfort food that will leave you nourished and satisfied. (recipe by Vegan Bil Araby)
In this vegan shepherd's pie recipe, we'll start by sautéing onions, garlic, and a combination of vegetables like carrots, peas, and diced tomatoes. This aromatic blend will create a flavourful foundation for the filling. Then, we'll add cooked black beans, quinoa, water and a vegan friendly gravy powder. This combination will infuse the filling with a robust and savoury taste that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
To complete the dish, we'll top the flavourful filling with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes. By using plant-based milk and vegan butter, we can achieve the same silky texture and buttery taste as traditional mashed potatoes. Feel free to customise the mashed potatoes by adding nutritional yeast, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavour profile.
Once the vegan shepherd's pie is assembled, we'll bake it in the oven until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling. The result will be a mouthwatering and comforting dish that's perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping.
One of the beauties of vegan shepherd's pie is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favourite vegetables or incorporating different herbs and spices to suit your taste. It's a dish that encourages creativity and allows you to make it your own.
By choosing a vegan lifestyle, you're not only embracing compassion for animals but also benefiting your health and the environment. Vegan shepherd's pie provides all the comforting flavours and textures you love while promoting a sustainable and ethical approach to food.
So, let's gather our ingredients, preheat the oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create a delectable vegan shepherd's pie. Get ready to savour the hearty filling, the creamy mashed potatoes, and the comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen. With each bite, you'll experience the warmth and satisfaction of a classic dish, transformed into a compassionate and wholesome feast. Let's celebrate the power of plant-based ingredients and the joy of hearty comfort food in this delicious vegan shepherd’s pie.
INGREDIENTS
Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe
5 medium potatoes, diced
1 brown onions, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 carrot, diced
1 cup of green peas
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of quinoa
1/2 cup of water
4 tbsp of gravy powder
Handful of nutritional yeast
METHOD
Dice potatoes and boil. Mash and set aside
In a fry pan cook onion and garlic until soft. 4-5 minutes
Add in diced tomatoes, carrots, black beans, quinoa and water. Stir in gravy powder and mix until thickened
Add mixture to oven dish and top with mash potato. Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top.
Put in oven at 160c for about 20 minutes or until the top begins to brown
