Shiitake Cottage Pie with Cauliflower Mash

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shiitake Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add the Veggies and Lentils: Stir in the diced carrot and celery, cooking for another 3–4 minutes. Then, add the cooked lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer: Let the mixture cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Make the Cauliflower Mash

1. Cook the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Mash the Cauliflower: Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot. Add olive oil (or vegan butter), minced garlic, and a splash of almond milk. Mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Cottage Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer the shiitake filling into a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Spoon the cauliflower mash on top of the filling and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. For a crispy top, you can lightly score the surface with a fork.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and slightly crispy. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end (keep an eye on it to avoid burning).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Pair with a side salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pie.
• Serve with crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy filling.
• Enjoy leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers the next day; the flavors continue to meld and deepen.

🌱 Optional Variations

• Add peas: For extra color and nutrition, stir in some frozen peas into the filling.
• Sweet potatoes: If you’re craving a bit of sweetness, replace the cauliflower mash with mashed sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Add herbs: For more aromatic depth, add a few sprigs of rosemary or sage to the filling while it simmers.
• Meat alternative: If you’re not vegan, you can replace the lentils with ground meat or even a combination of both.

✨ Final Thoughts

This Shiitake Cottage Pie with Cauliflower Mash is the perfect example of how plant-based meals can be both comforting and healthy. Packed with earthy shiitake mushrooms, hearty lentils, and a velvety cauliflower mash, it’s a dish that will satisfy everyone at your table—whether they’re vegan or not.

Perfect for cozy dinners or as a healthier twist on a traditional favorite, this cottage pie will soon become your go-to recipe for nourishing, flavorful meals. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with it!