Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

This Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower is healthy and comforting.

I just created a new favorite comfort food. Woohoo!

I made this Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower because St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and I have been wanting to make a vegan shepherd’s pie for awhile now.

I think the last time that I had shepherd’s pie was about twenty years ago, before I was vegan, and it was not as good as this!

I am getting a little better about posting recipes in time for holidays. I have been terrible about that in the past.

This shepherd’s pie actually reminds me of Thanksgiving. Anytime I use thyme or sage in a recipe (or both), it reminds me of Thanksgiving. I think it’s because the stuffing (dressing – if you want to get technical about it) that I like has sage and thyme in it.

This Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower is packed with flavor. I added tamari for an umami flavor, and red wine to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, as well as add a sweetness to the dish.

I should state here that you should always cook with a wine that you would drink. Otherwise your food is not going to come out as good. Stay away from the cooking wine!

Of course, I am not saying grab the really expensive bottle of wine, but a cheaper bottle that you would actually drink.

Just a side note – see that casserole dish in the photo – that’s brand spanking new, and the first time that I have used it. If you are a food blogger, you will totally get where I am coming from. When we go into a place that sells kitchen tools and gadgets, we get excited, right!

I went shopping this weekend for a few props and gadgets. It was so much fun. I was like a kid in a candy store.

Now if I only had more space to store my props…

Speaking of props, I like to paint my own backdrops. I have come to learn over the last couple years of blogging which work better than others. Note to self: paint over the busy colorful backdrops!

There are some really cool finishes that mimic crackled paint and fabric. (I am like a kid in a candy store in the art stores too.)

Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

This vegan shepherd’s pie is a healthy take on traditional shepherd’s pie. You won’t even notice it’s made with mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes!

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Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

This Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower is healthy and comforting.

Course Main Course

Cuisine vegan, gluten free

Keyword lentil and mushroom shepherd's pie, vegan shepherd's pie

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 207 kcal

Author Willow Moon

Ingredients

Mashed Cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil or Earth Balance

Filling

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 carrot 1/3 cup chopped
• 1 celery stick 1/2 cup chopped
• 1  garlic clove minced
• 1 cup chopped baby portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
• 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry orange lentils
• 1 tablespoon low sodium gluten free tamari
• 1/2  cup peas
• salt and pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Mashed Cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower for 10-15 minutes until tender. Let cool.
2. Blend cauliflower in a food processor with olive oil or Earth Balance, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 425°.
4. Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add garlic to the pan. Cook for a minute longer.
6. Add chopped baby portobello mushrooms, red wine, and thyme. Cook until the red wine cooks down to about half the amount.
7. Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, lentils, tamari, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the peas. Cook another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until lentils are soft and tender. Add more broth if needed.
8. Pour lentil and mushroom mixture into a 9 1/2" x 7 1/2" (or similar size) baking dish. Spread mashed cauliflower on top. Bake at 425° for 10-15 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes to brown the cauliflower.

Nutrition Facts

Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

Amount Per Serving

Calories 207 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 6g 9%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 817mg 34%

Potassium 660mg 19%

Total Carbohydrates 27g 9%

Dietary Fiber 10g 40%

Sugars 7g

Protein 9g 18%

Vitamin A 62.5%

Vitamin C 34%

Calcium 4.4%

Iron 15.4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

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Spinach, Tofu, and Pine Nut Enchiladas

Spaghetti with Vegan Meatballs