Shepherd less pie

Dairy free, meat free Shepherd's pie

Iv been craving comfort food since the weather got even colder.  One of my favourite comfort dishes is Shepherds pie, so I thought it was time it got the meat free and dairy free makeover. 

As a budget baker and cook I always make more than one portion at a time, so I can freeze the other portions.   Your using the same amount of time and more importantly electricity, so why not.   Make your own convenience food for those busy days....

Due to the absence of meat I'm calling this one Shepherd-less pie.  The mushrooms give the filling a meaty taste. While the parsnips add a little sweetness to the top.  It's a lovely hearty winters meal, that tastes great.  This is one veggie only recipe that I know my meat eating family would also love. 

Shepherd-less pie - Makes 4 servings

Topping

2 parsnips - diced

2 potatoes - diced

The smaller the dice the quicker they will cook.  Boil them together in the same pan, drain and then mash using a little soya milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Leave to cool.

 

Filling

2 carrots - small dice

1 onion - chopped

8-10 Mushrooms - chopped

1 cup red lentils

1 veggie stock cube

1 tsp mixed herbs

1 tbsp tomato paste or tomato ketchup

2 cups of hot water

Pre-heat oven too 180 Celsius

Soften the onions and carrots in a large pan then add the mushrooms.  Cook for a few more minutes and crumble in the stock cube.  Add the lentils and stir them well together, before adding the hot water. 

Add the mixed herbs and tomato paste. Bring the filling to a boil, then simmer for 20 -30 Min's or until lentils are cooked.  You may need to add a little more water if you want a looser texture. 

Pour into a casserole dish and leave to cool.  Once cooled, add the mash evenly over filling and bake in your oven for 30 -40 Min's.  Depending on how crispy you like your topping. 

I find it easier to put the topping over the filling if it's firm, that's why I like to leave it to cool first. 

It's also a great recipe to make ahead of time, so your less stressed later on in the day. Since all you need to do is bake it in the oven. 

TOP TIP: - When your ordering take-aways wash and keep the plastic containers they come in.  ( The ones that come with there own lid) Saves having to buy new freezer containers.