Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Created 11 Feb 2013 17:56, Updated 11 Feb 2013 18:00

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip and andPotato Mash

by Gena Hamshaw

Editors' Comments:

Even the easiest of shepherd's pies can feel like an undertaking. To make this delicious, hearty dish a lot more accessible, try cooking the lentils and prepping the vegetables one day in advance. On the day of assembly, mash the potatoes and parsnips early in the day, and sauté the veggies and assemble the pie later on before dinner. Leftovers can easily be frozen. And I dare you not to eat all of the mashed parsnips and potatoes before you even get to finishing the recipe.

[Robyn's Comments: wow, did this recipe ever need editing!]

Note: posted onto Tumblr, found through Twitter, recipe linked into Drop Box. Craziness.

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 pounds (about 4 large) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
6 parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup almond, soy, rice, or other non-dairy milk
Sea salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided into 2 tbsp and 2 tbsp
1 large onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, diced evenly
2 ribs celery, diced evenly
6 ounces baby bella, cremini, or button mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, dry
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

METHOD
1. Place potatoes and parsnips in a large pot and submerge in cold water (there should be at least 1 inch of water over the vegetables). Salt water well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow potatoes and parsnips to cook for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until both vegetables are very fork tender.

2. Drain, return the vegetables to the pot, and add 2/3 cup milk, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash well with a potato masher. If you need more milk, add the remaining 1/3 cup. Set the mashed potatoes and parsnips aside.

3. While potatoes are cooking, bring 1 1/2 cup lentils and 3 cups water to a boil. Reduce and simmer until lentils have absorbed all liquid and are soft (about 30 or 35 minutes). Set lentils aside.

4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent and golden (10 minutes or so). Add the carrots and celery and cook till both vegetables are tender (another 8 minutes).

5. Add the cremini mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes before adding the lentils, rosemary, thyme, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Simmer the mixture, stirring well to incorporate flavors. Add more liquid as needed; you don’t want there to be too much broth or liquid in the bottom of the pan, because you’ll get a runny shepherd’s pie, but you do want it to be quite moist. When everything is warm and well mixed, season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Spoon the lentil and veggie mixture in an even layer in a large casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes delicately and evenly over all, and then bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until potatoes are browning. Sprinkle with extra rosemary, if desired, and serve.

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