Savory Lentil and Onion Shepherds Pie
A comforting Savory Lentil and Onion Shepherds Pie made with hearty lentils, caramelized onions, and creamy mash.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 6 slices
Calories 350 kcal
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Essential for sautéing the onions.
- 2 medium Yellow onions Caramelized for sweetness.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves For flavor.
- 1 Bay leaf Remove before serving.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste For umami flavor.
- 1 cup French lentils Hearty base for the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Sherry vinegar Can substitute with balsamic.
- 2 tablespoons Gluten-free tamari or soy sauce For depth of flavor.
- 2 cups Vegetable stock For cooking lentils.
For the Mash
- 2 cups Water For boiling.
- 2 cloves Garlic Smashed for flavor.
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes For a creamy mash.
- 2 cups Cauliflower florets Adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons Vegan butter For richness.
- ½ cup Unsweetened non-dairy milk For consistency.
- ¼ cup Nutritional yeast Adds cheesy flavor.
- Salt and pepper For flavor.
Method
Heat oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're caramelized and golden brown.
Add flavors: Toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and tomato paste. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until well combined.
Simmer lentils: Stir in the rinsed French lentils, sherry vinegar, gluten-free tamari, bay leaf, and vegetable stock. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
Prepare the mash: In a separate pot, combine 2 cups of water, smashed garlic cloves, chopped Yukon gold potatoes, and cauliflower florets. Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Mash together with vegan butter, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, and seasoning.
Assemble dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the lentil mixture in a baking dish. Top generously with the creamy mash and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake and broil: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 15gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg
Keyword comfort food, lentil pie, plant-based, Savory Lentil and Onion Shepherds Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, vegetable pie