Comforting Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This Comforting Vegan Shepherd's Pie is a hearty twist on the classic dish, perfect for anyone craving the warm, satisfying taste of shepherd's pie without the meat. Made with a delightful blend of mashed potatoes and parsnips, this dish features a savory filling of vegetables, soy crumbles, and rich, flavorful gravy. It’s not only vegetarian and vegan, but it’s also packed with flavor that even meat lovers will enjoy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this pie is sure to become a staple in your home cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
1.5 lbs (peeled and roughly chopped)
parsnips
1.5 lbs (peeled and chopped)
plain soymilk
1/3 cup
butter
1 tablespoon
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1 medium (chopped fine)
carrot
1 medium (chopped fine)
mushroom
1 cup (sliced)
canned peas
1 cup
soy crumbles or Quorn pieces
9 ounces
vegetable stock
2 cups
flour
4 tablespoons
vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
dried ground sage
1 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Shepherd's Pie vegan?
It uses soy crumbles or Quorn pieces as a meat substitute, vegetable stock for the gravy, and plant-based milk for the mash.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is a hearty blend of mashed potatoes and parsnips for a unique and satisfying flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What vegetables are in the filling?
The filling features a savory mix of onions, carrots, mushrooms, and peas.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to be both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What kind of milk should I use for the mash?
The recipe calls for plain soymilk to keep the mashed topping creamy and dairy-free.
Are there mushrooms in this recipe?
Yes, it includes one cup of sliced mushrooms which add a rich, savory depth to the filling.
What provides the savory flavor in the gravy?
The savory flavor comes from a combination of vegetable stock, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and dried ground sage.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, frozen peas are a great substitute for canned peas and will work perfectly in this dish.
What is the protein source in this Shepherd's Pie?
The main protein sources are soy crumbles or Quorn pieces, which provide a meat-like texture.
How much garlic do I need?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of minced garlic for the topping.
Is the Worcestershire sauce vegan?
The recipe specifies 'vegetarian Worcestershire sauce' to ensure there are no anchovies or animal products.
Does this recipe use oil or butter?
It uses both olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and a tablespoon of butter (use vegan butter to keep it vegan) for the mash.
Is there any heat or spice in this dish?
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is included to provide a very subtle kick of heat.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 18 ingredients listed for this comforting vegan shepherd's pie.
What kind of stock should I use?
You should use two cups of high-quality vegetable stock for the gravy base.
Are parsnips required for the topping?
While the recipe uses a 50/50 mix of potatoes and parsnips, you can use 100% potatoes if you prefer.
Should the potatoes and parsnips be peeled?
Yes, for the best texture, both the potatoes and parsnips should be peeled before boiling.
How is the filling thickened?
The filling is thickened using four tablespoons of flour mixed with the vegetable stock to create a gravy.
Can I substitute the soy crumbles with something else?
Yes, you can use cooked brown lentils or finely chopped walnuts and mushrooms as a whole-food alternative.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy because it is vegetable-heavy and uses plant-based protein sources.
What herb provides the main flavor?
Dried ground sage is the primary herb used to give the dish its traditional savory aroma.
Can this be served at family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
How should I chop the carrots and onions?
The recipe recommends chopping the onion and carrot fine so they blend well into the gravy.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'one dish meal' because it contains vegetables, protein, and starch all in one pan.
How much potato and parsnip is needed?
The recipe uses 1.5 lbs of potatoes and 1.5 lbs of parsnips.
Is this dish savory or sweet?
It is a savory dish, though the parsnips in the mash add a very slight natural sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Shepherd's Pie is an excellent make-ahead dish that can be assembled and refrigerated before baking.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling has a hearty, chunky texture from the vegetables and soy crumbles, suspended in a thick gravy.