Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

Hearty and satisfying plant-based comfort food. This vegan shepherd’s pie with mashed cauliflower is so deliciously savory and perfect to enjoy on cold winter’s night.

THE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion (approx one small-medium onion)
1 cup diced carrot (approx two carrots)
1 cup diced parsnip (approx two parsnips, peeled)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 large cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked green lentils, rinsed and drained
1 bunch sage (about 5 leaves), chopped
1 bunch thyme (about 3-4 sprigs), chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 lbs. cauliflower florets (approx 3 heads cauliflower)
1/3 cup almond milk
3 tablespoons vegan buttery spread

INSTRUCTIONS

In a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and parsnip and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until onions are translucent and veggies are slightly tender. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes (stirring occasionally), or until mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
Add vegetable broth, lentils, thyme and sage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 35- 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
To thicken the lentil mixture, add cornstarch or arrowroot to a heaping spoonful of the lentil mixture in a separate bowl. Whisk together. Add thickened mixture back to the pot and whisk in. Salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Meanwhile, steam cauliflower florets until fork tender and transfer to a food processor (you may need to do this in batches depending on size of food processor). Add almond milk, vegan buttery spread and pulse to a smooth and creamy puree. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer lentil mixture to a 9×13 baking dish or 2 qt baking dish. Carefully spread mashed cauliflower evenly over top.
Bake at 425 for 10 minutes and then transfer to under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until cauliflower is crispy and starting to turn golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving.