The Best Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Lentils (Easy & Plant Based)

This shepherd's pie keeps really well in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and leave it there for a few days. You can reheat it in the oven, or if you are just reheating a single portion, use a microwave. 

Yes, you can freeze shepherd's pie. Freezing it allows you to make a larger batch in advance and have it ready for future meals. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze shepherd's pie:

1. Prepare the shepherd's pie as you normally would, including the filling and mashed potato topping.

2. Allow the shepherd's pie to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming.

3. If you have made the shepherd's pie in a disposable aluminum pan or a freezer-safe dish, you can freeze it directly in that container. Otherwise, transfer the shepherd's pie to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap.

4. If you prefer individual portions, you can divide the shepherd's pie into single-serving containers or wrap individual portions with plastic wrap.

5. Seal the containers or wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and air exposure.

6. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.

7. Place the shepherd's pie in the freezer and ensure it is stored in a flat, stable position.

8. Shepherd's pie can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond that, it may still be safe to eat, but the quality may deteriorate.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen shepherd's pie:

1. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed and cook as per the instructions above. You might need to cook it for 10 minutes longer so that it is piping hot throughout.

5. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the top is golden and crispy.

Shepherd's pie and cottage pie are both classic ground meat pies with mashed potato toppings, but they differ in the type of meat used in the filling.

A traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground or minced lamb, hence the name "shepherd" referencing the traditional role of shepherds tending to sheep. The filling typically consists of cooked lamb mince cooked with vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas in a rich gravy. The mashed potato topping is spread over the meat filling, and the pie is baked until the top is golden.

On the other hand, Cottage pie is made with ground or minced beef. The name "cottage" is believed to refer to the humble dwellings of the rural working class, who often used ground beef as an affordable meat option. The filling for cottage pie consists of cooked beef mince, similar to a beef stew, with onions, carrots, and sometimes other vegetables. The mashed potato layer is placed on top of the beef filling and baked until it forms a crust.

While the key difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie lies in the type of meat used (lamb vs. beef), regional variations and personal preferences may lead to some variations in the specific ingredients and seasonings used in each recipe. Nonetheless, the fundamental distinction remains the choice of meat in the filling. 

As we are making a meat free dish I guess it could be called vegan cottage pie or vegan shepherd's pie or I have also seen it referred to as a "garden pie".

Generally it is recommended that you use soy milk in vegan cooking and it is a great option here. I usually use oat milk or coconut milk in baking but you can also use almond milk or rice milk, the only thing to remember is to alter the amount that you add as they are different thicknesses which will affect the consistency of your mashed potato.

Yes, you can certainly use different types of lentils in a vegan shepherd's pie recipe. Lentils are versatile legumes that come in various varieties, each with its own texture and flavor profile. Here are a few common types of lentils you can consider using:

1. Brown Lentils: These are the most common type of lentils and hold their shape well when cooked. They have a mild, earthy flavor and work well in shepherd's pie, providing a meaty texture.

2. Green Lentils: Green lentils have a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture. They hold their shape after cooking and can add a pleasant chewiness to your shepherd's pie.

3. French Lentils (Puy Lentils): These lentils are small and dark green in color. They have a robust flavor and retain their shape nicely when cooked. French lentils add a rich, earthy taste to the dish.

4. Red Lentils: Red lentils cook quickly and tend to become soft and mushy. They have a slightly sweet flavor and can provide a smoother texture to the filling. Keep in mind that they may not hold their shape as well as other lentils.

Feel free to experiment with different lentils based on your personal preference and availability. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of lentil used, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Additionally, make sure to properly cook and season the lentils to enhance the overall flavor of your vegan shepherd's pie