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How to make Vegetarian Shepherds Pie Recipe

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Before diving into the delicious world of Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, let’s talk about what to enjoy alongside this hearty dish.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British, Irish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: 523kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - For sautéing the veggies and adding healthy fats.
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped - A flavorful base.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced - Almost every dish benefits from garlic.
  • 16 ounces button or cremini mushrooms roughly chopped - For a hearty texture.
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced - Sweetness and nutrients.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - Elevates the flavor with a hint of earthiness.
  • 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste - Adds depth and richness.
  • 2 tablespoons dry quinoa - A protein boost.
  • 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth - Keeps everything moist and savory.
  • 1 cup frozen green peas - A pop of color and texture.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt - To bring out the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Adds a warm smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Enhances umami.
  • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into quarters - The ultimate mash foundation.
  • ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt - For creaminess without excess calories.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - Richness for the potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it until translucent. This could take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it well but make sure it doesn't burn (no one likes burnt garlic)!
  • After the onions and garlic mingle for a moment, add the chopped mushrooms. Sauté until they start to release their moisture—around 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

  • Once the mushrooms are tender, add the diced carrots and fresh thyme. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, letting the carrots soften. Now comes the concentrated tomato paste. Stir it in, coating the veggies nicely; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • At this point, sprinkle in the dry quinoa, vegetable broth, frozen peas, sea salt, smoked paprika, and soy sauce. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and let this blend cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the quinoa to soak up the flavors and the filling to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

  • While the filling simmers, let’s work on the mash! Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook until tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot.
  • Add the Greek yogurt and unsalted butter to the potatoes. Mash them until creamy and smooth. Taste and sprinkle with additional salt if needed. The goal is for a luscious topping.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the filling is ready, pour it into a baking dish. Top the filling generously with the creamy mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create grooves in the mash. This will give it texture, crisping beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pop your assembled pie into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top gets golden brown. It should look inviting and perfectly golden when you pull it from the oven.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Let the pie cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or some warming bread. Each bite is a comforting hug—a delicious tale worth sharing.

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Thyme: Fresh thyme makes a huge difference; if you only have dried, use a teaspoon.
  • Make It Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Just add the potato topping before baking.
  • Mix Up the Topping: For a twist, consider using sweet potatoes for the topping instead of russet potatoes.
  • Get Creative with Veggies: Try adding zucchini or corn for extra flavors. The pie can handle it!
  • Check Seasoning: Always taste your filling before adding it to the baking dish. The right amount of seasoning is key.
Keyword: Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie Recipe