Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
This hearty pot pie features a filling of lentils, mixed veggies, and a savory tomato-based sauce, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal using affordable Australian staples like potatoes, frozen veggies, and pantry items, perfect for a cozy plant-based dinner.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1cupdried brown lentils
- 1cupfrozen mixed vegetables
- 1piecesmall onion, diced
- 1clovegarlic, minced
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 1tspdried mixed herbs
- 1/2tspsmoked paprika
- 1 1/2cupswater or vegetable stock
- 1tbspwater or oil (optional, for cooking)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 3piecemedium potatoes
- 1/4cupplant-based milk
- 1tbspvegan butter or oil (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to make Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
Cook the Lentils
Rinse lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add lentils, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Make the Filling
In the same pot, heat water or oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic, mixed herbs, and smoked paprika for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomato paste, cooked lentils, frozen mixed vegetables, and water or stock. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping
While the filling simmers, peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in a small pot with salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain.
Mash potatoes with plant-based milk, vegan butter (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Transfer the lentil and veggie filling to an oven-safe dish (or keep in the pot if it’s oven-safe).
Spread the mashed potato evenly over the filling, creating a smooth layer or small peaks with a fork for texture.
Bake for 15 minutes until the potato topping is golden and slightly crisp on top.
Serve
Serve a generous portion of the pot pie onto each plate accompanied by a fresh side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, add a dash of soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the filling.
If you prefer a creamier mashed potato topping, add more plant-based milk.
FAQS
How do I make Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie with a gluten-free crust?
To make a gluten-free version of the Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie, you can substitute the mashed potato topping with a gluten-free alternative like mashed cauliflower or a gluten-free flour-based crust. Ensure that all your ingredients, including the vegetable stock and any optional seasonings, are gluten-free.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie?
This hearty pot pie pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing. You could also serve it with steamed broccoli or a light vegetable stir-fry for added nutrition and color.
Can I store leftovers of the Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie, and how should I reheat it?
Yes, you can store leftovers of the Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
What can I substitute for lentils in the Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie?
If you need a substitute for lentils in this pot pie, you can use canned chickpeas or black beans for a similar texture and protein content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned beans are already cooked.
How can I make the Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie spicier?
To add some heat to your Aussie Veggie & Lentil Pot Pie, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the filling. You can also add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic for an extra kick.
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