Shepherd’s pie is arguably one of the comforting winter dishes. The combo of mashed potato, greens, and gravy is nourishing and hearty—good for days while you wish to curl up away from the chilly. Shepherd’s pie (and its shut sibling, cottage pie) is historically made with floor meat, but it surely’s removed from important. Right here’s the way to create a vegan model of the comfy British dish, utilizing nutrient-dense substances like lentils, mushrooms, and tofu, in addition to plant-based meat.
What’s the distinction between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
The reality is, there isn’t a lot of a distinction between cottage pie and shepherd’ pie. They’re each the identical sort of dish: a hearty meat and vegetable casserole, which is topped with creamy mashed potato. The one actual distinction is the kind of meat utilized in every recipe.
Cottage pie has been made because the late 18th century and refers to a dish made by British peasants who lived in cottages. Historically, a cottage pie encompasses a combination of beef, greens (primarily carrots, peas, and onions), and gravy. Nevertheless, because the identify implies, a shepherd’s pie is often made with lamb meat.
Nevertheless, per Britannica, a shepherd’s pie doesn’t really must be made with lamb mince. Whereas cottage pies have a extra strict definition, shepherd’s pies will be made with all the pieces from hen to lentils.
“Shepherd’s pie can be vegetarian and even vegan and nonetheless match throughout the confines of the dish’s definition, which basically affords a automobile for dwelling cooks to make use of leftovers from earlier meals in a satisfying method,” explains Britannica.
Because the recipes under show, there are various, some ways to make a scrumptious shepherd’s pie. From mushrooms to lentils to candy potatoes and tofu, discover a few of our go-to vegan recipes under.
Tips on how to make vegan shepherd’s pie: 5 recipes
Combat the winter chilly with these cozy recipes for hearty, meatless shepherd’s pie.
Jessica within the Kitchen
1 Vegan Shepherd’s Pie With Mushrooms and Lentils
On this gluten-free vegan shepherd’s pie recipe, Jessica within the Kitchen combines nourishing substances like mushrooms, lentils, and garlic-infused mashed potatoes to make a midweek dish that oozes consolation and hearty flavors. “This shepherd’s pie satisfies all cravings for protein, fiber, and carbs whereas tasting completely scrumptious,” recipe developer Jessica Hylton instructed VegNews. “It’s additionally very easy to make, comes collectively in beneath 45 minutes, and freezes nicely!”
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Thee Burger Dude
2 Meaty Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
When you’re craving the meaty texture of a conventional shepherd’s pie, take a look at this recipe from Thee Burger Dude. Recipe creator Brian Watson makes use of plant-based meat to recreate that juicy tender mouthfeel and combines it with fluffy, buttery dairy-free mash and greens. He additionally makes use of crimson wine to get that wealthy, depth of taste within the gravy. “It’d take a while to make, but it surely’s value it,” notes Watson.
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Madeleine Olivia
3 Vegan Candy Potato Cottage Pie
Certain, common potatoes make for a creamy, fluffy topping on a shepherd’s pie, however on this model of the dish, Madeleine Olivia swaps in candy potatoes, and we’re not complaining. It’s additional nutritious whereas nonetheless being nourishing and extremely comforting. “I like making cottage pie with candy potato, it provides simply that little little bit of sweetness and when mixed with my favourite vegan cheese on prime—you may’t beat it,” says Olivia.
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Elle Republic
4 Vegan Shepherd’s Pie With Crispy Potatoes
Not an enormous fan of mash? Don’t fear, you may nonetheless get all of the hearty goodness of shepherd’s pie with out it. On this recipe, for instance, Elle Republic swaps out mash for crispy potatoes and the ensuing dish is simply as scrumptious. Plus, it’ll additionally prevent the elbow grease that it takes to mash up the potatoes. “I select to make a sliced potato topping relatively than mashed potatoes,” notes recipe creator Michaelle. “Primarily as a result of it’s much less work, a bit of lighter on the energy, and I like the best way it crisps up within the oven.”
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Lavender and Macarons
5 Simple Vegan Shepherd’s Pie With Tofu
In order for you the feel of mince however don’t fancy reaching for plant-based meat, you may get the identical mouthfeel by crumbling up some tofu as an alternative. “The mix of savory tofu, numerous greens, and creamy mashed potatoes creates a mix of flavors that’s actually irresistible,” says recipe developer Iryna Bychkiv of Lavender & Macarons. “With its comforting heat and scrumptious style, this vegan shepherd’s pie is bound to grow to be a favourite in your house.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.