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Vegan French Onion Shepherd's Pie with Lentils & Cauliflower Potato Mash

Vegan French Onion Shepherd's Pie with Lentils & Cauliflower Potato Mash

from cookedbymomy.com
120 min
6 servings

This Vegan French Onion Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, plant-based twist on the classic dish, featuring a rich caramelized onion and lentil filling topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with umami flavors, making it the perfect dish for cozy dinners or meal prep. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to make ahead!

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • onions

    thinly sliced

    4 large
  • garlic

    minced

    3 cloves
  • dried thyme
    1 tsp
  • bay leaf
    1
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • french green lentils

    rinsed

    1 c
  • sherry vinegar
    2 tbsp
  • tamari or soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • vegetable stock
    4 c
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
    to taste
  • cauliflower florets
    2 c
  • peeled and diced potatoes
    2 c
  • garlic

    smashed

    2 cloves
  • vegan butter
    2 tbsp
  • unsweetened non-dairy milk
    ¼ c
  • nutritional yeast
    2 tbsp
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
    to taste
  • fresh thyme leaves

    for garnish

  • drizzle of olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare the French Onion and Lentil Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and caramelized (45-60 min). Deglaze with water if needed.

  3. 3

    Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Mix in lentils, sherry vinegar, and tamari. Stir well.

  6. 6

    Pour in vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until lentils are tender (25-30 min). Remove bay leaf.

  8. 8

    Transfer mixture to a baking dish.

  9. 9

    Prepare the Cauliflower Potato Mash: Boil cauliflower, potatoes, and garlic until tender (15-20 min). Drain and return to the pot.

  10. 10

    Add vegan butter, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.

  11. 11

    Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.

  12. 12

    Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  13. 13

    Spread the mash evenly over the lentil mixture.

  14. 14

    Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh thyme.

  15. 15

    Bake for 25 min, or until the top is lightly browned. Broil for 2-3 min for extra crispiness.

  16. 16

    Let sit for 5 min before serving.

About this Recipe

Indulge in the Ultimate Vegan French Onion Shepherd’s Pie

Craving ultimate plant-based comfort food? Look no further than this incredible Vegan French Onion Shepherd’s Pie! We’ve taken the hearty classic and infused it with the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. This isn't just any Dairy-Free Shepherd’s Pie; it’s a culinary masterpiece featuring a rich, caramelized onion and lentil filling, crowned with a luxuriously creamy Cauliflower Potato Mash.

What makes this French Onion Lentil Pie truly special is the depth of flavor. Slow-cooked onions develop an incredible sweetness, perfectly complemented by earthy French green lentils, savory tomato paste, and a hint of sherry vinegar and tamari, creating an umami-packed base that will satisfy even the most ardent meat-eaters. The fluffy, dairy-free topping – a perfect blend of cauliflower and potatoes – offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making this dish naturally gluten-free too.

This recipe is designed for cozy dinners and effortless meal prep. It's incredibly satisfying, making it a fantastic main course on its own or paired with a simple green salad.

Tips for a Perfect Pie

  • Master the Caramelization: Don't rush the onions! Slow cooking them over medium-low heat until deeply golden brown is key to the signature French onion flavor in your lentil filling. This patience pays off immensely in flavor.
  • Creamy Mash: For the smoothest Cauliflower Potato Mash, ensure your cauliflower and potatoes are cooked until very tender. A potato masher or even a food mill can help achieve that silky texture. Don't be shy with the vegan butter and nutritional yeast for extra richness and cheesy notes!

Embrace this hearty and wholesome Vegan French Onion Shepherd’s Pie for your next comforting meal. It's a testament to how flavorful and satisfying plant-based cooking can be!

Frequently Asked Questions