Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice

Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the classic flavors of shepherd's pie with the added twist of aduki beans and rice for a nutritious and filling meal.

History

Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the late 1700s. Originally made with leftover roasted meat, vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes, it was a way to use up leftovers in a delicious and satisfying way. Over the years, variations of the recipe have emerged, including vegetarian versions like this one with aduki beans and rice.

Ingredients

1 tsp parsley
4 oz (113 g) aduki beans, soaked
2 oz (57 g) brown rice, soaked
water, for boiling
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
8 oz (227 g) carrots, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
0.5 tsp marjoram
275 ml bean stock
salt and pepper
1 lb (454 g) potatoes, mashed

How to prepare

Wash the beans and rice in plenty of cold water.
Combine about 4 cups of water with beans and rice and cook for 50 minutes or until the beans are soft.
Drain, reserving the stock for later.
Heat oil in a skillet.
Fry the onions for 3 minutes.
Add the carrots and cook covered for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked beans and rice.
Stir well and let sauté for a few minutes, ensuring that the mixture does not burn.
Combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, herbs, and stock.
Mix well and pour into the skillet.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low, partially cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Add more stock if necessary.
Transfer into a casserole.
Top the cooked vegetables with mashed potatoes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are browned.
Serve with vegetables or a green salad.

Variations

Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
Top with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the aduki beans and brown rice before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Be sure to reserve the bean stock for later use in the recipe to add extra flavor to the dish.

- Stir the mixture frequently while simmering to prevent it from burning and to ensure all the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the aduki beans and rice until tender before adding them to the skillet.

- Simmer the mixture gently to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of beans or lentils in place of aduki beans.

- Substitute quinoa or barley for the brown rice for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply top with mashed potatoes and bake when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Shepherd's Pie in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine or a crisp cider for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the carrots and potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the soy sauce and tomato paste. It may also contain traces of nuts if cooked in a facility that processes nuts.

Summary

This Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice is a nutritious and delicious twist on the classic recipe. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice. It was a cold winter day, and I had invited my dear friend Margaret over for tea. As we sat in my cozy kitchen, sipping on hot Earl Grey and nibbling on buttery shortbread cookies, Margaret pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her bag.

"Mary, I have a recipe here that I think you'll love," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie, with aduki beans and rice instead of the traditional meat and potatoes."

I was intrigued. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes, so I eagerly flipped through the pages of the cookbook to find the recipe Margaret was talking about. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could already imagine the delicious flavors melding together in my mouth.

I thanked Margaret for sharing the recipe with me and promised to give it a try. That evening, as I busied myself in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and simmering beans, I felt a sense of joy and fulfillment. Cooking has always been my passion, a way for me to express my creativity and love for my family and friends.

As the Shepherd's Pie baked in the oven, filling my home with its savory aroma, I couldn't wait to share it with my loved ones. When my husband and children sat down at the dinner table that night, their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite of the dish. They showered me with compliments and praises, declaring it one of the best meals I had ever made.

From that day on, Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy Sunday dinner. Each time I served it, it brought smiles to the faces of my loved ones and warmed their hearts.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new techniques and experimenting with different ingredients. I would often invite friends over to taste my latest creations, and they would always leave my home with satisfied bellies and happy memories.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me, her eyes shining with curiosity and wonder. She had always been fascinated by my cooking and would often ask me to teach her how to make her favorite dishes. I knew that it was time to pass down the recipe for Shepherd's Pie with Aduki Beans and Rice to her.

Together, we stood side by side in the kitchen, chopping onions and garlic, sautéing vegetables, and layering the ingredients in a baking dish. I showed her how to make the perfect mashed potato topping, creamy and buttery, and how to sprinkle it with a generous amount of grated cheese for that extra touch of indulgence.

As we sat down at the dinner table, enjoying our meal together, I watched with pride as my granddaughter savored each bite of the Shepherd's Pie. I knew that I had passed down not just a recipe, but a tradition, a legacy that would live on in her heart and in the hearts of generations to come.

Cooking has always been more than just a hobby for me. It is a way of connecting with my loved ones, of sharing love and joy through the simple act of preparing a meal. And as I look back on the countless recipes I have collected over the years, each one holds a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment shared with someone I love.