Cooking Irish this Week – Well, Kind Of!
Super cozy meal with a smooth, velvety potato topping and a saucy and flavorful mix of vegetables, this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie was the exact dinner I wanted to make for St. Patrick’s Day this year.
Yes, I do still love a good meaty comfort meal like a true Shepherd’s pie, however, I was feeling very BRAVE and decided to create a healthier, vegetarian version. After a few attempts I was really pleased with this recipe which happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.
I also use olive oil instead of butter in this version, but remember that the flavor of the oil you use will come through clearly in the mashed potatoes so be sure to use the very best flavored or mild unflavored olive oil you can get.
This is a great recipe to BE BRAVE with because you can easily switch out the vegetables to the ones you like or use this recipe to clean out your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. Don’t forget to include chickpeas, lentils or even some tofu to add protein to the dish. If you like your filling saucier, add more vegetable broth mixed with a little cornstarch to create more gravy. Whichever way you do it, this stick-to-your-bones dish will leave you craving more!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone.
Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
2 russet potatoes (approximately 1 lb), peeled and diced
2-3 tablespoons O&V Unflavored EVOO or vegan butter *
¼ cup milk or almond milk or vegetable stock
2-3 tablespoons O&V Tuscan Herb EVOO *
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
1 large white onion, minced
2 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
5 cups mixed vegetables (See Chef Note)
½ cup Vegetable stock
2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
½ bunch of parsley, leaves chopped, stems reserved
3 tablespoons O&V Tuscan Dipper Seasoning *
1 cup chickpeas (see Chef Note)
Grated parmesan or vegan parmesan for sprinkling (optional)
Preparation
Peel and dice the potatoes and place in a medium pot. Cover the potatoes with water and salt generously (the water should taste like the ocean). Bring to the boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 10-15 minutes).
Drain the potatoes, return to the hot pan and let sit for 5 minutes. Then using a ricer, process the potatoes into a bowl. Add the unflavored EVOO one tablespoon at a time and drizzle in the veggie broth until the potatoes reach a smooth and soft consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the Tuscan Herb EVOO in a large pot or deep saucepan. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté over medium-high heat until they begin to brown. Add the tomatoes and the 5 cups of vegetables and chickpeas. Continue cooking (add a little more oil if needed) till the vegetable begin to soften.
Add the vegetable stock, and Dipper spice mix. Tie the parsley stems with a piece of twine and add to the pot. Cover and simmer till vegetables are tender, 6-8 minutes.
Remove the cover, stir in the Worcestershire/Soy/Coconut Aminos and chopped parsley leaves. Remove the parsley stems. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Heat the broiler on LOW.
Pour the vegetables into an oven-safe dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with grated parmesan if using, and broil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
Serve hot with crusty bread and a side salad.
Serves 6 – 8
Total Time: 45 – 60 minutes
Chef Note
I like to use a cup each of the following: chopped red pepper, chopped carrots, sliced mushrooms, corn, and peas. You can also use chopped zucchini, green beans or even pieces of paneer or tofu.
Add the chickpeas to the pan as noted in the recipe. If you are using cooked lentils, add them at the end with the chopped parsley leaves and stir well to combine.
Notes
* The Tuscan Herb EVOO and Tuscan Dipper spice add tremendous flavor and depth to this dish. You can use your favorite Italian blend of dried herbs, and an unflavored EVOO, but remember to use high quality, flavorful ingredients to maximize the outcome of this dish.
Categories: Entrée, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Irish, Veggie Shepherd’s Pie, Vegetable Cottage Pie, St. Patrick’s Day, Chickpeas, Lentil Pie, Tuscan Herb EVOO, Tuscan Dipper Seasoning, Unflavored EVOO, Easy Vegetables, Meal Prep, Easy Entertaining
