I'm all about comfort food, especially during the winter. This Shepherd's Pie is a combination of several recipes I found, as well as having my own touches. The beauty of it is that anyone can tweak it...add certain veggies, leave out others, etc., to make it a cold weather comfort meal that the whole family will enjoy. Served with warm crusty bread and a small salad, this is sure to be a family fave. My husband loves it, and goes back for seconds every time. The mashed tater topping can be made however you usually make mashed taters. I used 4 large potatoes and substituted almond milk for cow's, and used 3 cloves of roasted garlic all mashed up and added while mashing. I did not add the Pinto or Red Kidney beans, but I will the next time.
Veggie Shepherd's Pie
Veggie Shepherd's Pie
Mashed garlic potatoes (about 4 large, prepared as you like)
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup yellow squash, sliced
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas & carrots (or 1 cup frozen sliced carrots)
1 cup frozen Italian green beans
1 can Pinto or Red Kidney beans, rinsed (optional)
1 onion or shallot, chopped
1 can vegetable broth
2 Tbls. EVOO
Salt, pepper, basil
1/4 cup cold water & 2 Tbls. corn starch
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Heat EVOO in a large frying/saute pan, add onion/shallot and saute for 5 minutes. Add all vegetables, except peas & carrots (or just carrots), salt, pepper, basil, and any other herbs/spices you wish. Saute, stirring often, for approximately 10 minutes. Add vegetable broth and stir. Let simmer for a few minutes while making Garlic Mashed Potatoes (or you could make the potatoes ahead of time). Whisk the corn starch into the cold water. Slowly pour corn starch/water mixture into the veggie/broth mixture and stir. Add peas & carrots (or carrots), Pinto or Red Kidney Beans, and stir. Bring to a soft boil and stir until thickened (a very short amount of time).
Place veggie/gravy mixture into large casserole dish, and top with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Place casserole on cookie sheet or put aluminum foil under casserole, in case it simmers over. Cook uncovered in oven for 30-35 minutes. Serve with crusty bread or rolls, add a small side salad if desired.
Mmmm good!
