Description
This Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious and hearty vegetarian twist on the classic dish, featuring a savory mushroom and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. Perfect for a comforting meal that is packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetable Filling
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped (any variety)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pie once assembled.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Season the Mixture: Add 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Peas: Stir in 1 cup peas until evenly distributed, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Transfer the cooked mushroom and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly for the base layer.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes over the vegetable filling. Smooth with a spatula and optionally create peaks with a fork to achieve a crispy top when baked.
- Bake the Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the mashed potato topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can use any mushroom variety such as cremini, button, or portobello for different flavors and textures.
- For a vegan option, ensure the mashed potatoes are made with plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Adding a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast on top before baking adds extra flavor and browning.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.