Introduction
The Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and nutritious dish that brings together the earthiness of root vegetables with a rich filling. Perfect for those who crave comfort food without compromising on health, this recipe offers a delightful twist to the traditional shepherd’s pie by incorporating an abundance of fresh vegetables.
Tips for this Recipe
When preparing the Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie, ensure your potatoes are fully cooked and have a creamy consistency to enhance the dish’s texture. Pre-cook lentils before adding them to prevent mushiness in the final product. The browning of onions is crucial for developing flavor, so take time to sauté them until golden.
Why you will love this recipe
This Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie stands out with its vibrant colors and robust flavors that cater to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. The combination of potatoes, lentils, and seasonal veggies makes it a wholesome meal packed with nutrients, ideal for family dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
3 pounds russet potatoes, unpeeled
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2″ cubes
1 1/2-2 cups whole milk, warmed
Kosher salt
1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
3/4 cup brown or French green lentils
6 garlic cloves, divided, plus 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups coarsely chopped onions
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 cups dry white wine
8 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons gluten-free white miso or 2 teaspoons gluten-free tamari soy sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
12 cups 1/2″ pieces peeled fall vegetables (such as squash, turnips, carrots, and parsnips)
1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed, halved
2 4″ rosemary sprigs
2 cups bite-size pieces mixed fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped mixed fresh herb (such as parsley, chives, and sage)
Adviced equipments
– OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper
– KitchenAid Artisan 6 Quart Stand Mixer with Bowl
– OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Grater
– Chef’s Choice 12-Inch Rectangular Cast Iron Skillet
– Hamilton Beach Countertop Food Grinder with Roller Mill
– Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet (2-quart)
– OXO Good Grips Canning & Preserving Set with Jar Lifter, Funnel & Pestle
– KitchenAid Mixer 5-Quart Heavy Duty Stand Mixer Bowl
– Oxo Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife Set
– OXO Good Grips Grill Brush with Stiff Wire Bristles
History of the recipe
The concept of Shepherd’s Pie has its roots in medieval times, originally serving as a way to use leftover meat and vegetables. However, this particular Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie innovates by embracing a diverse range of root vegetables and lentils, creating an inclusive dish that transcends traditional boundaries while paying homage to its historic lineage.
Fun facts about this recipe
The Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie is not just a meal but a celebration of seasonality and sustainability in the kitchen. By utilizing root vegetables like turnips, carrots, and parsnips that are often underrated, it highlights their versatility and health benefits. Moreover, incorporating lentils offers an environmentally friendly protein alternative, contributing to a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based counterparts.
