Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 800 grams potatoes (about 4 large)
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup plant-based milk, unsweetened
• 1 tbsp vegan butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot, large
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups cooked lentils, brown or green
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• salt, black pepper to taste
• 1 cup peas, frozen

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the lentil sauce: In a large pan,...: Prepare the lentil sauce: In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and add 1 diced onion and 1 diced carrot. Saute until the onions turn golden brown and the carrot softens. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, then add 2 cups cooked lentils, 1/2 tsp oregano, and 1/2 tsp thyme. Stir in 2 tbsp flour, making sure it spreads evenly through the vegetables. Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 cup tomato pasta sauce, stir well to combine thoroughly, then add in also 1 cup vegetable stock. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, add in 1 cup frozen peas and bring to a simmer. When the sauce starts simmering, turn off the heat.

2. 2

   Make the mashed potatoes: peel and dice 800...: Make the mashed potatoes: peel and dice 800 grams of potatoes (about 4 large), then put them in a pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, season with salt and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook on medium until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return to the pot. Add a pinch of salt, 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk, and about 1 tbsp of vegan butter. Mash until creamy.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.

4. 4

   Ladle the lentil sauce into a large oven-safe...: Ladle the lentil sauce into a large oven-safe dish. Then, spoon the mashed potatoes carefully over the lentil sauce and spread it out evenly, but it doesn't need to be perfect. You could even fork a design into the potatoes, which will add to more crispiness once baked.

5. 5

   Transfer the dish into the preheated oven and...: Transfer the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes start turning golden-brown and crispy.

6. 6

   Serve hot.