Shepherd's Pie by John

FILLING

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup uncooked brown or green lentils  
• 1 1/2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups mushroom stock or low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh/frozen vegetables or 1 10-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans and corn)
• 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley (chopped)
  
  

  MASHED POTATOES

• 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 3 tablespoons Earth Balance

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Grease an 9×9-inch baking dish
3. Slice potatoes and transfer them to a large pot filled with water. Bring the water to a boil – and boil the potatoes for 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
4. Using a potato masher mash the cooked potatoes until they are smooth and add vegan butter. Mix well. Set aside.
5. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, onions and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes, until onions are translucent.
6. Add mushrooms and saute for 3-5 minutes, until the water released by the mushrooms has evaporated.
7. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Slowly add mushroom stock while stirring. Then add lentils and thyme. 
9. Bring to a boil. Then lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
10. Add veggies, cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
11. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet (this is to catch any overflow of gravy once it goes in the oven).
12. Pour the lentil mixture into the baking dish and carefully top with mashed potatoes, one large spoonful at a time. Spread the mashed potatoes using a fork or spatula – and smooth it until you get an even layer.
13. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes (with the baking dish underneath).
14. Then turn oven to broil and broil for 5 minutes to get a crispy, golden brown top (optional).
15. Top with chopped flat leaf parsley and serve
    
    
    
    Inspiration Pickled Plum
    https://pickledplum.com/vegan-shepherds-pie/