Irish Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Veggie Gravy

Allergens

Gluten (if using non-gluten-free vegetable broth)

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring lentils and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender but not mushy, about 20 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
4. Stir in mushrooms, carrots, and peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Mix in tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat. Add cooked lentils and stir to combine.
6. In a large bowl, mash potatoes with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
7. In a small saucepan, whisk together vegetable broth, cornstarch, and cold water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes gravy like.
8. In a 9 inch pie dish or ovenproof skillet, spread the lentil mushroom mixture evenly. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading to cover completely. Bake for 25 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
9. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your scrumptious Irish vegetarian shepherd's pie!

Chef’s Insight

For an extra touch, use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes in the mashed potato topping before baking.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner party or meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and heated when needed.