Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

 

So here was another Holiday and I was wondering what to make for this St Patrick's Day.  After scouring countless meatless corned beef style cabbage recipes, I decided I'd do something with that left over box of mushrooms I had in the refrigerator instead.   I wanted something Irishy (if that's a word)  and by gosh...this was a delightful creation, flavorful and even the non vegans in my household woofed it down.

 

I guess that means it was pretty successful...

 

 

Mushroom Shepherd's Pie



 

2 c dry lentils
1 c shitake mushrooms
1 c button mushrooms
1/4 c celery diced
1/4 c carrots diced
4c water
4 tbs beaf vegetable seasoning
4 tbs soy sauce or Liquid Aminos
salt
pepper
1 sprig of fresh Rosemary
1bottle stout beer
peas about 1-2 cups 

Topping~
mashed potatoes made with cubed vegan butter (3 cups boiled potatoes)



In large pan over the stove, cook all ingredients except beer and peas and rosemary sprig. Cook on high until bubbling and then turn down to low and cover for about an hour. You want this to reduce down and cook the lentils.  Add the beer, stir, add the rosemary sprig to the top and cover.

 Cook on low another 15 minutes and check.  If the lentils are cooked,  and the juice is mostly reduced, it's done. If for some reason the lentils aren't fully cooked, add a little water, about 1/2 cup at a time and cook until the liquid is gone.  Set aside until ready to use.

 

In a casserole dish, place peas at the bottom.  You'll want a thin layer. Pour the mushroom mixture over the top. Set aside while preparing the topping.
For the mashed potatoes, make sure they are creamed until they are completely smooth.  You can spoon it on or pipe it on with a large frosting tip (I used a star tip) and a frosting bag.

 

Isn't that purdy? 

Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  Brown top with broiler for a few minutes.

 For a side dish, I did a vegetable medley of root  veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper, and baked them for about an hour, covered, until they were cooked.

 

 

Yummo! St Patrick's day or any day...served!