Recipe - Hearty Vegetable Cowboy Pie

Vegetarian Cowboy Pie is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, offering all the comforting flavors without the meat. This hearty and wholesome dish combines a medley of colorful vegetables with savory seasonings, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for vegetarians and veggie lovers, this recipe is a satisfying and nutritious meal. Let's dive into how to prepare this delightful Vegetable Cowboy Pie.

Ingredients

For the Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

- Add minced garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

- Stir in corn, peas, tomato paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

- Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

- Add milk and butter to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Transfer the prepared vegetable filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

- Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the filling, spreading them with a fork to create a textured surface.

- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

- Scoop out generous portions of the Vegetable Cowboy Pie onto plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.