Nantucket Shepherd's Pie

Nantucket Shepherd's Pie Recipe - Vegan Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Nantucket Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines savory lentils and vegetables with a creamy mashed potato topping, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a classic dish that originated in the United Kingdom. Traditionally made with minced meat and topped with mashed potatoes, this recipe has been adapted over the years to include a variety of ingredients. The Nantucket twist on this dish adds lentils and a mix of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Filling

1 small onion, chopped
3 small carrots, chopped
0.5 cup spinach, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
15 oz (425 g) can of lentils, mashed
0.5 tsp dried basil
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp Braggs or soy sauce

Topping

3 medium potatoes, roughly chopped
0.25 cup soy milk
1 tbsp margarine
salt to taste

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Boil or steam the chopped potatoes until they can be easily pierced.
In a medium saucepan, sauté the onions, carrots, spinach, celery, and tomatoes in the oil.
Once the carrots are tender, add the mashed lentils, basil, salt, and Braggs.
Stir and simmer without a lid until the liquid cooks off.
In a large bowl, mash together the potatoes, soy milk, margarine, and salt using a potato masher or fork. Set aside.
Pour the vegetable mixture into a lightly oiled 9 X 9 baking dish.
Layer the mashed potatoes over the top.
Bake for 15 – 20 minutes.

Variations

Substitute lentils with ground meat for a more traditional Shepherd's Pie.
Add cheese to the mashed potato topping for a cheesy twist.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the lentil and vegetable filling until the liquid has cooked off to prevent a soggy pie.

- For a crispy topping, broil the pie for a few minutes after baking.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the filling to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nantucket Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy night in.

Cooking Techniques

Boil or steam the potatoes until tender before mashing.

- Sauté the vegetables until tender before adding the lentils for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of lentils or beans in place of the mashed lentils.

- Substitute soy milk with dairy milk or cream for a richer topping.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and assemble the pie just before baking.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. - Serve in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Nantucket Shepherd's Pie with a side of crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a cozy night in.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 9g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 9g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Nantucket Shepherd's Pie is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying option for a comforting dinner.

Summary

Nantucket Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines savory lentils and vegetables with a creamy mashed potato topping for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Enjoy this hearty pie with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a beautiful summer day on Nantucket Island, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who had invited me over for a cozy dinner at her cottage. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of a hearty shepherd's pie baking in the oven.

Margaret had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled the dish out of the oven and set it on the table. "I have a special treat for you tonight," she said with a smile. "This is my Nantucket Shepherd's Pie, a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations."

I couldn't wait to dig in, and with the first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make this delicious dish for myself. Margaret was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and she walked me through each step as I scribbled down notes in my tattered old recipe book.

The key to a good shepherd's pie, Margaret told me, is in the meat filling. She used a combination of ground lamb and beef, cooked with onions, carrots, and peas in a rich gravy made from beef broth and red wine. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a savory and comforting base for the dish.

Next came the mashed potatoes, which Margaret whipped up with butter, cream, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. She spread the creamy mixture over the meat filling, then popped the whole dish back in the oven to bake until the potatoes were golden brown and bubbling.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Margaret shared with me the story of how her family came to Nantucket and how this recipe became a beloved tradition in their household. I was touched by her words and felt a connection to this dish that went beyond just the ingredients.

From that day on, Nantucket Shepherd's Pie became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I made it, I thought of Margaret and the special bond we shared over this recipe.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs from my garden. But the heart of the dish remains the same – a warm and comforting meal that brings people together and fills the room with love and laughter.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Nantucket Shepherd's Pie for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the day I first tasted this dish at Margaret's cottage. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And as I take the steaming dish out of the oven and set it on the table, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family for generations to come, just like it has been for Margaret's family for so many years. The aroma fills the room, and I can't help but smile, knowing that this simple dish has brought so much joy and connection into our lives.