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VEGAN SHEPHERD’S PIE WITH SWEET POTATO MASH

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash – A Hearty Irish Comfort Dish

This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash is a cozy, plant-based twist on the traditional Irish classic. Lentils, carrots, parsnips, and peas are simmered in a rich stout-infused gravy, then topped with velvety sweet potato mash and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s comforting, nourishing, and perfect for family dinners or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Serves: 4–6 people

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 parsnip, diced
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils (cooked)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • ½ cup vegan stout or dark ale (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet Potato Mash:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp plant-based butter or olive oil
  • ½ cup oat or almond milk
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until soft. Drain and mash with vegan butter and plant milk until smooth. Season to taste.
  3. Make the Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and parsnip for 8–10 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, lentils, peas, vegetable stock, and stout. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into a baking dish. Spread mashed sweet potatoes evenly on top. Use a fork to create ridges for extra crisping.
  5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vegan shepherd’s pie with a side of braised cabbage or Irish soda bread for a complete and comforting meal. Ideal for Sunday dinner or festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish delivers all the flavor and heartiness of a traditional Irish shepherd’s pie — with none of the meat or dairy. The sweet potato topping adds a slightly sweet, creamy contrast to the rich, savory lentil filling.