Vegan Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with Chickpeas and Currants

vegan shepherd's pie

This shepherd’s pie recipe features sweet potatoes, chickpeas and currants.

There is no reason to stint on comfort food just because you’re trying to live lighter. Comfort doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Instead, by tweaking your favorite recipes just a little bit, you can actually indulge in the comfort of both the food and in the fact that it’s healthy, animal-friendly, and low in fat and empty calories. Shepherd’s pie is as comfort as things get around here – it’s reminiscent of cold winter nights and wanting to fill up on steamy potato and creamy veggies. The following Shepherd’s pie recipe for sweet potato shepherd’s pie is a vegan version of the original that is better for you without holding back in flavor, texture, and aroma!

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients

For the stuffing:

  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1 cup dry green lentils, soaked overnight and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • ½ cup vegetable stock
  • ½ bunch parsley, stemmed and chopped

For the sweet potato mash:

  • 1 lb (about 3 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chucks
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk

Directions

For the filling, bring a skillet to medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil, onions, carrots, and celery. Stir for a few minutes before adding the garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring, until the onions turn translucent. Add the tomatoes, green peas, lentils and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the liquid has cooked off and the mixture has thickened.

Add chickpeas, currants, and parsley. Cook for another minute and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For the mash, boil sweet potatoes in water for 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and place into a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mash until creamy in consistency.

To assemble, scoop the filling into a casserole dish. Carefully spread the potato mash evenly atop. Place in the oven for 40 minutes or until the top has browned and all is steamy and smelling delicious. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

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Photo Credit: Stephycupcake