Easy homemade Lentil Shepherd’s pie recipe
This Lentil Shepherd’s pie is a perfect way to sneak in extra veggies into your diet and is a great option for a hearty and comforting dinner. It is made with a base of lentils and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and can be customised to suit your taste. To speed up the process, you can use a can of cooked lentils instead of cooking them from scratch. This will save you time and still give you the same delicious taste. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a meatless meal. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started on making this comforting dish.
The Shepherd’s Pie
This British classic dish Shepherd’s Pie was invented in late 1700 where the leftover lamb meat was cooked and then topped with mashed potatoes & cheese in a casserole dish. Over the years, people who cannot savour Shepherd’s pie started substituting the meat component with an alternative vegetarian/ vegan filling. That’s how this classic British dish has now been reinvented to suit Vegetarians and Vegans too. I call this Meat Free version - Shepherd’s Pie, Shepherdess Pie, Cottage Garden Pie and even Cottage Pie.
How to make Lentil Shepherd’s pie step by step on stove top?
Start by making the mashed potatoes. Boil them in a large saucepan until tender, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper. Next, make the filling by sautéing onion and garlic in a casserole dish, then adding mixed vegetables, tomatoes, vegetable stock, herbs, and Worcester sauce. Cook until vegetables are tender and mixture is reduced. Add lentils, stir, and remove rosemary sprigs. Finally, assemble the pie by spreading the lentil mixture in an ovenproof dish, topping with mashed potatoes, cheese, and vegetarian worcester sauce. Grill for 3 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling. Serve and enjoy! Like the Lentil and Vegetable mixture with a little more gravy, add more vegetable broth while cooking.
How to make Instant Pot Vegetable and Lentil Shepherd’s pie?
To make Lentil Shepherd’s pie in an Instant Pot, first, prepare the mashed potatoes in advance using my recipe for garlic mashed potatoes or use the stovetop method. Next, add all the ingredients for the pie filling into the Instant Pot and set it to “High” pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally, then cook the mixture on the “Sauté” setting, stirring, until it reaches the desired consistency. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary, then discard the rosemary before serving. To finish the dish, pile the lentil mixture into a pie dish, top with mashed potatoes, grated cheese, and Worcester sauce. Place under the grill for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling. Serve hot. Video instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
What to serve with Lentil Shepherd’s pie?
Shepherd’s pie can also be enjoyed as a satisfying stand alone meal. Here are some options that would complement the flavours in the Lentil shepherd’s pie and balance the dish.
Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus.A mixed green saladCrusty bread like a soda bread or eggless homemade dinner rollsSimple grains such as quinoa or steamed rice.
Storing Lentil Shepherd’s pie in the fridge
Leftover Lentil Shepherd’s pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating in the microwave, you may need to splash a little water to freshen it up.
Can I freeze this Lentil Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, Lentil Shepherd’s pie can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the pie to individual portions of casserole dishes, allow it to come to room temperature, tightly cover with foil, and place in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pie (still covered with foil) for 30-45 minutes in a 180 C/350ºF oven. To cut down on cooking time, thaw the pie in the refrigerator the night before.
How to make a Vegan version of this Lentil Shepherd’s Pie?
To create a vegan version of Shepherd’s Pie, substitute traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cheddar cheese for the topping and vegan butter for the potato mash. Additionally, for added flavour, consider adding 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the potato mash.
Can I prepare veggie shepherd’s pie in advance?
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie can be made in advance and stored up to 3 days in advance in the refrigerator. Prep the cottage pie all the way until assembling and wrap them in foil and place it in the refrigerator. Bake at 180C/ 350º F to heat throughout, about 20-30 minutes.
What is the difference between Shepherd’s pie and Cottage pie?
The main difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie is the type of meat used in the filling. Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb meat, while Cottage Pie is made with beef. Both dishes are prepared in a similar fashion, with the meat filling being topped with mashed potatoes before being baked.
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Lentil Shepherd’s pie recipe below
Hello Fresh recipes online
HelloFresh has a repertoire of recipes online. They have detailed ingredients and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on the website. Even if I don’t manage to order one of the delivery meal kit boxes, I like to browse through for quick and easy dinner time recipe inspirations. I came across this wonderful British Classic Vegetarian recipe for Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie from Hello Fresh and instantly fell in love with them. . Moreover, when a recipe is topped with lots of mashed potatoes & bubbling cheese, you will see happy children around. Post a photo of your creation on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #sandhyaskitchen. I would love to see your pictures! Subscribe to our weekly newsletters! The recipe called for Mushrooms and I did not have them in my refrigerator. Instead I have used frozen mixed vegetables and a can of brown lentils that I already had. Disclosure - This post is in collaboration with Hello Fresh.
