A Hearty Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe for Cold Winter Days

Introduction

This video features a recipe for a hearty vegan Shepherd's Pie, a perfect comfort food for cold weather. It's made with a savory lentil filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cauliflower. The dish is not only delicious but also wholesome, making it an ideal winter meal.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Filling:

• Dried chickpeas
• Cilantro and parsley
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Flour
• Water
• Baking powder
• Vegetable oil

For the Mashed Potato and Cauliflower Topping:

• Russet potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Vegan butter
• Light coconut milk or other plant-based milk
• Nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Lentil Filling:

   • Soak dried chickpeas and cook them with cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, cayenne, salt, flour, water, and baking powder.
   • Fry the mixture in vegetable oil until crispy and golden.

2. Prepare the Mashed Topping:

   • Boil potatoes and cauliflower with rosemary and salt until tender.
   • Drain and mash with vegan butter, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
   • Optionally, add extra vegan butter for a richer flavor.

3. Assemble the Shepherd's Pie:

   • Layer the lentil filling in an oven-proof skillet or dish.
   • Top with the mashed potato and cauliflower mixture.
   • Smooth the surface and drizzle with olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, and black pepper.

4. Bake:

   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until the lentils are bubbling.
   • Broil for a few minutes to get a perfectly browned crust on the mashed topping.

Conclusion

This vegan Shepherd's Pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining a rich, flavorful lentil filling with a smooth, creamy mashed topping. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for winter, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.