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French Onion Shepherd’s Pie

French Onion Shepherd's Pie
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A vegan masterpiece featuring a rich caramelized French onion and lentil base topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

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2 tbsp olive oil
4 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
2 tbsp sherry vinegar
2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
4 cups vegetable stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tbsp vegan butter
1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the French Onion and Lentil Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and caramelized (45-60 min). Deglaze with water if needed. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Mix in lentils, sherry vinegar, and tamari. Stir well. Pour in vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until lentils are tender (25-30 min). Remove bay leaf. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Cauliflower Potato Mash: Boil cauliflower, potatoes, and garlic until tender (15-20 min). Drain and return to the pot. Add vegan butter, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mash evenly over the lentil mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh thyme. Bake for 25 min, or until the top is lightly browned. Broil for 2-3 min for extra crispiness. Let sit for 5 min before serving.

Notes

  • The caramelization of the onions is key for flavor; don’t rush this step. For a thicker base, simmer uncovered for last 10 minutes. Ensure mash ingredients are well-drained to avoid a watery topping.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free tamari and stock.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cleanvegankitchen.com/french-onion-shepherds-pie/