Vegan Lentil Shephards Pie

Introduction
Shepherd’s pie is a traditional comfort food, often made with minced meat and a topping of mashed potatoes. This vegan version offers all the warmth and satisfaction of the classic dish, using lentils and an array of vegetables to create a rich, flavorful filling. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is perfect for a hearty meal that will please vegans and non-vegans alike. This recipe provides detailed instructions, useful tips, and nutritional information to help you create the perfect vegan shepherd’s pie. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Lentil Filling:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste