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Gardener’s Pie with Root Vegetable Mash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

This hearty Gardener’s Pie features a comforting root vegetable mash topping over a savory lentil and vegetable filling. Rooted in classic shepherd’s pie traditions, this vegetarian dish uses a flavorful mix of potatoes, rutabaga, mushrooms, carrots, and celery, enriched with fresh herbs and a creamy mash topping. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s baked until bubbling and golden on top, offering a satisfying balance of textures and garden-fresh flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Root Vegetable Mash

  • 1 ½ lb (680 g) potatoes
  • ¾ lb (340 g) rutabaga (or other root vegetable such as celeriac or turnip)
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) butter, softened
  • 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
  • 2 – 4 tbsp (30 to 60 ml) heavy cream

Pie Filling

  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • ½ lb (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, plus extra to taste
  • ½ tsp (3 g) pepper
  • 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 can (540 ml) canned lentils, drained
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the root vegetables: Peel and cube both the potatoes and rutabaga. Place each in separate saucepans, cover with water, and season generously with kosher salt. Bring both to a boil and cook until fork tender, noting that rutabaga takes 5 to 10 minutes longer than potatoes. Drain and keep warm.
  2. Mash the root vegetables: Using a potato masher, roughly mash the rutabaga and potatoes until nearly smooth. Combine rutabaga with the potatoes, butter, kosher salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and mash again. Add more cream if needed for desired consistency. Keep warm.
  3. Start the pie filling: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Heat a wide skillet or shallow braiser over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté diced onions seasoned with a pinch of kosher salt for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin softening.
  4. Add remaining vegetables: Stir in diced carrots and celery, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.
  5. Add mushrooms and aromatics: Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. When all vegetables are tender, stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and pepper, cooking briefly. Stir in all-purpose flour to combine fully, then slowly pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture thickens.
  7. Add lentils and parsley: Stir in drained canned lentils and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to blend flavors. Remove from heat and mix in chopped fresh parsley.
  8. Assemble the pie: Transfer the filling to a shallow casserole dish or leave it in the braiser if oven-safe. Spoon the mashed root vegetable mixture evenly over the filling.
  9. Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the mashed topping is lightly browned.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Gardener’s Pie with Root Vegetable Mash.

Notes

  • This dish can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based margarine and using a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • Extra root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips can be mixed into the mash for variety and added flavor.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content.
  • Rutabaga can be replaced with celeriac or turnip if preferred for a different twist on the mash.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: gardener's pie, root vegetable mash, vegetarian shepherd's pie, lentil pie, comfort food, healthy vegetarian dinner

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/gardeners-pie-with-root-vegetable-mash-recipe/