Shepherd's Pie with vegetable-based 'Beef'
Shepherd's Pie with Vegetable-Based 'Beef' Recipe - United Kingdom
Introduction
Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe puts a vegetarian twist on the traditional dish by using vegetable-based "beef" instead of traditional meat. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this Shepherd's Pie is sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
History
Shepherd's Pie has its origins in the United Kingdom, where it was traditionally made with minced lamb or mutton. The dish was a way to use up leftover meat and vegetables, and it quickly became a popular comfort food dish. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, including vegetarian versions like the one presented here.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes
- 500 g vegetarian ground beef
- 0.5 red pepper
- 0.5 onion
- 3 button mushrooms
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 cup parsley
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese
How to prepare
- Boil the potatoes until tender. In a pan, sauté the celery, mushrooms, red pepper, and spring onions in oil for 2 minutes. Add the "beef" and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and simmer. Finally, add the remaining ingredients and broil for 5 minutes.
Variations
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Add different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to season each layer of the Shepherd's Pie filling to ensure a flavorful dish.
- For a crispy top, broil the pie for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Boil the potatoes until tender before mashing them for the topping.
- Sauté the vegetables before adding the vegetarian ground beef to ensure they are cooked through.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable broth instead of water and vegetable stock cube for added flavor.
- Substitute vegan butter and cheese for a dairy-free version of the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and assemble the Shepherd's Pie just before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Shepherd's Pie in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Shepherd's Pie with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad for a well-rounded 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
- Approximately 400 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Potatoes: 37g per serving
- Flour: 6g per serving
- Milk: 5g per serving
- Cheddar cheese: 1g per serving
Fats
- Butter: 7g per serving
- Olive oil: 5g per serving
- Cheddar cheese: 9g per serving
Proteins
- Vegetarian ground beef: 20g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving
- Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving
- Calcium: 15% of daily value per serving
- Iron: 10% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheddar cheese)
Summary
This Shepherd's Pie is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
This vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Shepherd's Pie with vegetable-based 'beef'. It was many years ago, and I had just started experimenting with plant-based cooking. I had always enjoyed the comforting flavors of Shepherd's Pie, but I was looking for a way to make it without using meat.
I had heard about a vegetable-based 'beef' substitute that was supposed to taste just like the real thing, so I decided to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - potatoes, carrots, onions, peas, and of course, the vegetable-based 'beef'. As I started cooking, the kitchen was filled with the rich, savory aroma of the 'beef' cooking with the onions and carrots.
I added the peas and a splash of vegetable broth to create a thick, hearty filling that reminded me of the traditional Shepherd's Pie I had grown up with. I mashed the potatoes with a generous amount of vegan butter and non-dairy milk until they were smooth and creamy, ready to be spread over the top of the filling.
As the Shepherd's Pie baked in the oven, I could hardly wait to try it. When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was amazed at how delicious it was. The vegetable-based 'beef' had a hearty, meaty texture that paired perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. It was a triumph, and I knew it would become a staple in my recipe collection.
I shared the Shepherd's Pie with my family, and they couldn't believe it was made without meat. They said it tasted just like the real thing, and they asked for the recipe so they could make it at home. I was thrilled to have discovered a plant-based alternative to one of my favorite comfort foods, and I knew I would be making it again and again.
Over the years, I have made this Shepherd's Pie with vegetable-based 'beef' many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or I experiment with different seasonings to give it a unique flavor. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first time I discovered the recipe and the joy it brought me to create a delicious, satisfying meal without using meat.
I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and they have all been impressed with how flavorful and satisfying it is. Some of them have even started incorporating more plant-based meals into their diets, thanks to this Shepherd's Pie recipe. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and my dedication to finding delicious, plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes.
As I look back on my journey with this recipe, I am grateful for the sense of anticipation I felt that first time I made it. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of plant-based cooking and inspired me to continue exploring new ingredients and flavors. I am proud to have added this Shepherd's Pie with vegetable-based 'beef' to my repertoire of recipes, and I look forward to sharing it with many more people in the years to come.
Categories
| British Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Celery Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Meat Substitute Recipes | Onion Recipes | Potato Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes | White Mushroom Recipes |