Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a scrumptious and nutritious twist on the basic consolation meals. Filled with wholesome greens like mushrooms, carrots, peas, and hearty quinoa, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s excellent for these searching for a meatless meal. The creamy mashed potatoes, made with Greek yogurt for added richness, present the proper topping to the savory vegetable filling. Whether or not you’re searching for a family-friendly dinner, a comfortable winter meal, or a vegetarian-friendly dish, this recipe checks all of the bins!

Components

Potato Crust

2 massive russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons butter

Vegetarian Filling

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
16 ounces mushrooms, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon contemporary thyme (plus further for garnish)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons raw quinoa
1 ¼ cups vegetable inventory
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Put together the Potato Crust:
In a big pot, mix the potatoes with water and produce to a boil. Season generously with salt and prepare dinner till very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the Greek yogurt and butter, then mash till clean and creamy. Put aside.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare dinner the Filling:
In a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, warmth olive oil over medium warmth. Add the diced onion and prepare dinner till golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Scale back the warmth to low and stir within the minced garlic, chopped mushrooms, diced carrots, and contemporary thyme. Prepare dinner for one more 5 minutes, till the greens soften.
Add Tomato Paste and Quinoa:
Stir within the tomato paste and quinoa. Prepare dinner for a couple of minutes till the tomato paste begins to stay to the greens. Pour within the vegetable inventory and frozen peas, stirring to mix.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Spoon the mashed potatoes over the vegetable combination, spreading evenly to cowl the filling.
Bake and Broil:
Place the assembled pie within the oven and bake for 25-Half-hour, or till the potatoes begin to brown. For an additional golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes on the finish of baking.
Let Stand and Serve:
Take away the pie from the oven and let it relaxation for 10 minutes. Garnish with contemporary thyme or herbs of your selection earlier than serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and hearty dish, excellent for household dinners or gatherings. Filled with savory greens, a creamy potato crust, and a healthful quinoa base, it’s a simple and filling vegetarian various to the normal shepherd’s pie. The mix of mushrooms, carrots, peas, and contemporary thyme makes it flavorful and satisfying, whereas the mashed potato topping offers an ideal steadiness of creamy and crispy texture.

Ideas

For further creaminess: You may add a bit extra Greek yogurt or butter to the mashed potatoes.
Make-ahead: You may put together the filling and mashed potatoes individually, then assemble and bake when able to serve.
Vegetable choices: Be at liberty to substitute the mushrooms and carrots with different greens like zucchini, parsnips, or candy potatoes to fit your style.

Variations and Substitutions

For a gluten-free model: Guarantee your vegetable inventory and tomato paste are gluten-free, and use a gluten-free various for the quinoa if wanted.
Add protein: Add cooked lentils or beans to the filling for further protein and texture.
Herb swap: Contemporary rosemary or sage will also be used as an alternative of thyme for a special taste profile.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan? Sure! Merely substitute the Greek yogurt and butter with vegan options like cashew cream or dairy-free butter.
Can I freeze the shepherd’s pie? Sure, you’ll be able to freeze the assembled pie earlier than baking. Simply cowl it tightly and freeze for as much as 2 months. To bake, thaw within the fridge in a single day, then bake as directed.
Can I exploit a special sort of potato? Whereas russet potatoes work finest for mashing, you should use Yukon Gold or different starchy potatoes if desired.

Serving

Serve this Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with a facet of steamed greens, a contemporary inexperienced salad, or heat bread to finish the meal. It’s excellent for cozy winter nights or as a filling dish in your subsequent household gathering.

Strategies

Prime with cheese: For a tacky crust, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan on prime of the mashed potatoes earlier than baking.
Pair with a light-weight soup: If serving this as a part of a multi-course meal, a easy vegetable soup or tomato bisque would complement the dish effectively.