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I’m excited to share my comforting vegan cottage pie, which mixes a hearty mixture of lentils and chickpeas, tender greens, and a topping of fluffy mashed potatoes. I’ve made positive that this simple recipe delivers daring, savory taste and the right plant-based meaty texture! Prepared in below one hour, this is a perfect meal for busy weeknights, vacation gatherings, or anytime you crave consolation meals. When you’ve got been searching for one thing nutritious that the entire household will love, give my vegan shepherd’s pie recipe a strive!
I’m an enormous fan of cottage pie however as a vegetarian I’ve struggled to discover a model that meets all my necessities for texture, style, and wholesome plant-based elements. So I did what I do greatest and headed to the kitchen to provide you with the last word vegan cottage pie!
Whereas recreating a meat primarily based dish with solely vegan elements could be a problem, I’ve managed to seize the flavour and texture of this traditional consolation meals completely! By utilizing a mix of chickpeas, walnuts, and lentils, I used to be in a position to obtain that meat-like consistency I had been craving.
This veggie cottage pie is principally the English equal to my Greek vegan moussaka. It’s a labor of affection however the finish result’s excellent! Not solely does my total household get pleasure from this dish, however it even acquired a thumbs up from my non-vegan buddies!
In the case of consolation meals, there’s nothing fairly like a shepherd’s pie loaded with creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful fillings! And my vegan model contains further veggies and wholesome elements, discovering that good stability between indulgence and vitamin.
Whereas I really like with the ability to put collectively a healthful home-cooked meal for my household, I normally don’t have greater than half-hour – 1 hour to get a meal on the desk.
However since my vegetable cottage pie solely requires half-hour of energetic prep time, I do know I can whip every little thing up rapidly with out spending all day within the kitchen – regardless that this recipe tastes like you’ve got put hours into it!
Historically cottage pies are casseroles made with beef, whereas shepherd’s pies are made with lamb. In more moderen years shepherd’s pie has develop into an umbrella time period to imply a casserole made with a meat base with gravy, veggies, and a topping of mashed potatoes. Since my recipe omits all meat and makes use of vegan elements, be happy to name it both a vegan shepherd’s pie or cottage pie, as much as you!
What really units this recipe aside is its versatility. It’s already dairy-free and gluten-free, however I really like how simply I can tailor it to accommodate varied preferences and dietary wants by incorporating totally different veggies, herbs, or spices. Irrespective of the way you make it, I assure it’ll rapidly make its means into your loved ones’s common meal rotation. It’s positively a go-to in my family for these nights the place I want one thing handy, wholesome, and satisfying.
In a while on this put up, I’ll share a few of my favourite changes and additions to raise your cottage pie recreation!
So, hold studying to find why I chosen every ingredient, what to serve with cottage pie, and ideas to make sure you make the easiest vegan cottage pie recipe ever!
🥘 Elements
No meat, no dairy, no drawback! This recipe makes use of solely actual plant-based complete meals. Right here’s what you want for my wholesome vegan cottage pie:
Mashed Potatoes: I wish to make my very own wholesome mashed potatoes with Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. It’s also possible to use a retailer purchased combine to make it tremendous simple, simply examine the label to verify it’s vegan if you happen to want it to be.
Onion: A yellow, brown, or candy onion is right. I are likely to keep away from utilizing purple onions as their style is stronger and might overwhelm the opposite flavors.
Lentils: These provide some protein and fiber. Be happy to make use of all lentils as a substitute of a mix of chickpeas and lentils, however I desire the variation in texture.
Chickpeas: I really like utilizing these as one other plant primarily based supply of protein to recreate the meaty texture. You need to use canned chickpeas as a substitute of dried, soaked ones, however the texture will change a bit of. White beans would additionally work – vegetarian shepherd’s pie with beans is so scrumptious!
Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts are a stunning meat substitute however I discover they works so properly! Their texture and taste is great!
Umami Seasoning: Use any savory, salty liquid seasoning like tamari, soy sauce, or Yondu vegetable umami seasoning. Yondu has a wealthy umami taste that it will get from fermented soybeans and a concentrated broth created from 8 greens. I’ve been loving utilizing it in so many issues, together with this vegetarian cottage pie! It additionally occurs to be gluten-free! Observe: if you happen to use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute of Yondu, begin small and style as you go (chances are you’ll want lower than the quantity of Yondu this recipe requires).
Greens: I exploit a mix of peas and carrots right here. Peas are a traditional in cottage pie, and in addition a great supply of plant primarily based protein. Including further vitamins and taste, carrots are a should on this recipe!
Spices & Herbs: Freshly minced garlic cloves are greatest for essentially the most unimaginable taste, however I’ve additionally used jarred minced garlic in a pinch. Parsley and thyme give this recipe some wonderful taste. Relying on the broth that I exploit, I generally add in some sea salt and black pepper to style.
Veggie Broth: I desire to make use of broth because the liquid of alternative to provide an additional enhance of taste. You need to use a low sodium choice if wanted.
Tomato Paste: I’ve discovered that this ingredient is important for attaining the wealthy, deep taste I used to be after!
🔪 How To Make Vegan Cottage Pie
Comply with together with my step-by-step instructions to take advantage of scrumptious vegan chickpea cottage pie!
Preheat Oven & Chop: I begin by preheating the oven to 400 levels Fahrenheit / 205 levels Celsius. Then, I chop the chickpeas and walnuts into smaller items by pulsing in my meals processor. Observe, you too can chop the entire combination in a meals processor after cooking, however I desire the simpler clear up choice (not as sticky/messy).
Saute Onion & Garlic: Now, in a big skillet, I sauté onion, garlic and salt with olive oil, or vegetable broth if oil free, over medium warmth till the onion is mushy. About 5 minutes.
Add Different Elements: Subsequent, I add the lentils, chickpeas, walnuts, parsley and thyme and stir till simply browning. About 3-5 minutes.
Add Broth Elements: Then, I add 2 cups of the broth, Yondu and tomato paste and cook dinner coated for about 8-10 minutes.
*When you opted to cut your complete combination after cooking, then chop now in a meals processor. Make sure that to pulse slowly so it doesn’t flip into mush. It helps to do it in small batches. Add again to the pan when finished.
Add Veggies: Now, I add the carrots, peas and the remainder of the broth into the pan and cook dinner till many of the liquid has evaporated however it nonetheless has some sauce.
Assemble: Lastly, I unfold the combination on the backside of a sq. casserole dish and high with my mashed potatoes.
Bake: I bake the cottage pie for 25 minutes, till the highest is browning on the edges. Permit to chill so it units higher and serve!
My #1 Secret Tip for this vegan cottage pie with lentils is to simmer the combination lengthy sufficient in order that many of the water evaporates. The very last thing you need is a watery filling to your cottage pie! To keep away from a watery or soggy filling, be certain that to simmer the veggie and lentil combination on medium warmth till many of the liquid has evaporated and solely a bit of little bit of sauce stays.
Different Suggestions To Hold In Thoughts:
- For Greatest Texture: I counsel chopping the cottage pie filling combination in a meals processor earlier than including the carrots and peas. You would not have to do that however it helps with texture. If you don’t chop the combination with a meals processor, simply be certain that to interrupt up the chickpeas into small items earlier than including in.
- Relaxation Earlier than Serving: I all the time let the pie relaxation for 10-Quarter-hour after baking. This helps the filling set and makes it simpler to serve clear slices.
- To Get A Tremendous Golden Brown Crust: Be happy to brush your mashed potatoes with just a bit little bit of vegan butter earlier than baking. It’ll assist to make the highest good and golden brown!
📖 Variations
Take pleasure in my vegan cottage pie with your personal distinctive spin on it! Listed here are a few of my favourite methods to alter issues up:
Extra Veggies: You may fill this cottage pie with nearly any further greens you’ve got readily available. Whereas I needed to make this vegetarian shepherd’s pie with no mushrooms, be happy so as to add in some if that’s your fashion! Peppers or celery are nice too, as they add texture and taste. My household additionally loves once I make a vegan cabbage and chickpea pie, including in chopped inexperienced cabbage to the combination!
Mashed Potato Flavors: For only a slight variation, I’ll generally simply add new flavors to the mashed potatoes! I really like including in further garlic, chives, or onion powder.
Different Herbs: Parsley and thyme are my go-to herbs for this recipe, however oregano, dried basil, and even rosemary will style nice too!
Lentil-Free: When you desire your vegan shepherd’s pie with no lentils, swap them out for added chickpeas and walnuts. On the events the place I’m out of lentils, I’ve made it this fashion and it’s nonetheless tremendous yummy!
🍽 Serving Ideas
My cottage pie with greens can function a whole meal any evening of the week, however can be nice for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Irrespective of the event, it pairs properly with the next facet dishes:
Veggie Dishes: I really like holding issues mild and simple, pairing my lentil shepherd’s pie with veggie-forward sides like my apple walnut salad, roasted inexperienced beans and potatoes, or air fryer brussels sprouts.
Consolation Meals: Whether or not it’s the winter months or not, I actually benefit from the taste mixtures of those comforting classics. Do this veg cottage pie served alongside my wholesome mac and cheese, selfmade biscuits, or stewed beans.
Vacation Classics: I do know you’ll love my wholesome cottage pie recipe paired with Thanksgiving and Christmas classics, whatever the time of yr! Strive it out with my vegan candy potato casserole, air fryer carrots, and cornbread gluten free stuffing.
🫙 Storage Directions
Fridge: As soon as cooled, I retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
Freeze: After I want longer lasting storage, I place the cottage pie in an hermetic container and retailer within the freezer for as much as 3 months. I’ve discovered that freezing it unbaked is greatest, however it will also be frozen after cooking. Potatoes run the chance of fixing texture when frozen, so if you happen to desire, wait to high with the mashed potatoes till you’re able to bake.
Reheat: You may both bake the frozen complete meals vegan shepherd’s pie coated in foil, or thaw it in a single day within the fridge earlier than baking after which heat it in both the oven or the microwave. I’ve examined out each strategies and both will work properly!
❓Recipe FAQs
A golden brown crust and effervescent filling are good indicators that the pie is completed, however I additionally like to check with a skewer or toothpick. When inserted into the middle of the pie, it ought to come out sizzling, indicating the filling is heated all through.
The important thing to a mashed potato topping that has the right texture is to make use of the appropriate sort of potatoes! I like Yukon Golds or Russets for this filling. I additionally advocate making selfmade mashed potatoes as a substitute of store-bought – they simply are typically fluffier and end up higher general. One other nice tip is to make use of a potato ricer which helps obtain a clean consistency with out overworking the potatoes (which may launch extra moisture).
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📋 Recipe Card
Vegan Cottage Pie
My hearty vegan cottage pie is made with a savory meaty mixture of lentils, chickpeas, and greens, after which topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. Complete consolation meals and family-friendly too!
Servings: 9
Energy: 283kcal
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Preheat oven to 400 levels F / 205 C.
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You may both chop the entire combination in a meals processor after cooking, or just simply chop the chickpeas and walnuts into smaller items utilizing a meals processor now. I desire to do that as a result of it’s simpler to scrub up.
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Sauté onion, garlic and salt with oil, or broth if oil free, over medium warmth till onion is mushy. About 5 minutes.
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Add the lentils, chickpeas, walnuts, parsley and thyme and saute till simply browning. About 3-5 minutes.
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Add 2 cups of the broth, Yondu and tomato paste and cook dinner coated for about 8-10 minutes. Don’t let it burn.
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When you opted to cut your complete combination, then chop now in a meals processor. Make sure that to pulse slowly so it doesn’t flip into mush. It helps to do it in small batches. Add again to the pan when finished.
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Add the carrots, peas and the remainder of the broth into the pan and cook dinner till many of the liquid has evaporated however it nonetheless has some sauce.
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Unfold on the backside of a sq. baking dish. Then high with the mashed potatoes.
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Bake for 25 minutes, till the highest is browning on the edges.
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Permit to chill so it units higher and serve!
- You need to use all lentils as a substitute of each lentils and chickpeas. When you do that, use 1 cup lentils.
- You may chop your complete combination, or simply chop the walnuts and chickpeas. See instructions.
- Yondu is a savory seasoning that brings out the richness on this dish. When you would not have it you may sub soy sauce or Tamari, however chances are you’ll want much less. Begin with 2 tablespoons, style and add extra if wanted.
Energy: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 12g | Fats: 8g | Saturated Fats: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 1g | Trans Fats: 1g | Ldl cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 748mg | Potassium: 841mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g
