Make ahead vegan samosa shepherd's pie

 Vegan Samosa Shepherd's Pie Made Ahead: A Tasty Take on a Traditional Recipe

Are you looking for a plant-based lunch that is both cosy and distinctive that you can make in advance? There's only one place to look: Vegan Samosa Shepherd's Pie. This inventive take on the traditional shepherd's pie blends the heartiness of shepherd's pie with the flavours of a traditional Indian samosa. Imagine it as a dish with layers of flavourful, spicy lentils and veggies, covered with a rich, golden-baked mashed potato shell.

This version is even more enticing because it's ideal for meal planning or preparing in advance for a hectic weekday supper, holiday party, or informal get-together. The meal is a great choice for a range of dietary requirements because it is vegan, gluten-free, and full of strong flavours.

We'll walk you through the process of creating a Make-Ahead Vegan Samosa Shepherd's Pie in this blog article, which will take your taste buds to a whole new level of comfort food with its crunchy, spicy stuffing and creamy mashed potato topping.

Reasons to Enjoy Vegan Shepherd's Pie with Samosas

Here's why this dish is a hit before you start the recipe:

Bold, Spiced Flavours: The filling, which is reminiscent of samosas, is full of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, which give the meal a warm, aromatic foundation.

Vegan and Gluten-devoid: This dish is acceptable for vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten sensitivity because it uses plant-based ingredients and is devoid of dairy, pork, and gluten.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie is ideal for meal prep because it can be put together a day or two in advance. For later usage, it can even be frozen.

Hearty and Filling: The mashed potato topping gives the perfect amount of comfort, while the lentils, peas, and a variety of veggies provide a substantial, high-protein filling.

To make the mashed potato topping, peel and chop four medium potatoes. Add two tablespoons of vegan butter (or olive oil).

A quarter cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, including oat, soy, or almond milk

Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Recipe for Vegan Shepherd's Pie with Samosas

First, make the mashed potato topping. Boil the potatoes: 

Put the chopped and skinned potatoes in a big pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Second, mash the potatoes: After draining, put the potatoes back in the pot. Add the plant-based milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegan butter. Mash until creamy and smooth. Keep heated and set aside.

Prepare the Samosa Filling in Step Two

Prepare the lentils: Heat 3 cups of water in a small pot until it boils. Cook the rinsed lentils for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are soft but not mushy. After draining any extra water, set aside.

Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a big saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for five to seven minutes, or until it is brown and tender.

Incorporate the spices and aromatics: Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. To toast the spices and bring out their flavours, cook for a further two to three minutes, stirring often.

Add the carrots and potatoes: Add the chopped carrots and potatoes and stir. Let them soften a little by cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes.

Incorporate the peas, lentils, and liquid: Incorporate the cooked lentils, tomato paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), and peas. Bring the mixture to a simmer after stirring everything together. Allow it to cook for ten to fifteen minutes, or until the flavours have combined and the vegetables are soft. For a little brightness, add the lemon juice and adjust the spice if necessary.

Step 3: Put the Samosa Shepherd's Pie together

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Lay the filling: Spread the samosa-inspired filling evenly in a 9x9-inch (or comparable-sized) baking dish that has been buttered.

Place mashed potatoes on top: Evenly distribute the mashed potatoes on top of the mixture using a spoon. Make ornamental peaks or designs in the potatoes with a spatula.

The dish should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and just beginning to crisp up.

After baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Add some fresh parsley or cilantro as a garnish for some colour and freshness.

How to Prepare the Ideal Vegan Shepherd's Pie with Samosas

Increase the heat: If you enjoy a little spiciness, add more cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chillies to the filling.

Customise the filling You may substitute the lentils for chickpeas or black beans for a new twist, or you can add additional veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas.

Vegan cheese topping: Before baking, top the mashed potatoes with vegan cheese for a cheesy finish.

Prep ahead: You may make the mashed potatoes and stuffing a day or two ahead of time. Just keep them apart in the refrigerator and put them together right before baking.

It's a dish that stores nicely! Put the whole pie together (without baking), cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then proceed as instructed.

Reasons to Enjoy Vegan Samosa Shepherd's Pie Made Ahead

When you need to prepare a big quantity of food for a party or for meal prep, this recipe is ideal. Rich spices, filling lentils, and robust vegetables give it a tonne of flavour. The samosa-inspired filling adds an intriguing touch that takes the flavours to new levels, while the mashed potato topping gives shepherd's pie the creamy, comforting texture that makes it such a favourite meal.

This Vegan Samosa Shepherd's Pie will wow everyone with its mouthwatering flavours and filling texture, whether you're making it for a weeknight supper or throwing a dinner party. Additionally, it's entirely make-ahead, so when the time comes, you may savour the flavour of comfort food that has been prepared at home with no effort.

Savour this substantial, comforting dish as the ideal substitute for traditional shepherd's pie—it will quickly become a new favourite in your repertoire of recipes!

Can I use a different type of lentil in this recipe?

Yes! While green or brown lentils are recommended for their texture and ability to hold up in the filling, you can also use red lentils. However, red lentils cook faster and may break down more, so the texture will be slightly different. You may want to reduce the cooking time for red lentils to avoid mushiness.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes a day or two in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready, simply assemble the pie and bake. You can also freeze the assembled pie (uncooked) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, peas, or even cauliflower. Just make sure to cook any added vegetables before adding them to the filling mixture to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this vegan samosa shepherd’s pie is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that the soy sauce or tamari you use is gluten-free, and avoid using any gluten-containing breadcrumbs or other ingredients if you plan to modify the recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.