Annabel Karmels Vegetarian Shepherds Pie For Kids Recipes

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil over high heat. Add potatoes to boiling water and boil for about 15 to 20 minutes, until soft; a knife should go in with almost no resistance.
• Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with high sides or an enameled cast-iron braiser over medium-high heat, bring the lentils, thyme and 2 cups of the broth to a simmer with 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat and continue to cook the lentils, partly covered, until they are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Transfer the lentils to a bowl.
• Finish the topping: In a small saucepan or a microwave oven, heat 6 tablespoons of the butter and milk together until butter melts. Drain potatoes well and return to pot. Using a masher or a ricer, mash hot potatoes until smooth. Mix in the hot butter mixture and sour cream just until blended. Stir in 1/2 of the Parmigiano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
• Finish the filling: Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Melt the butter in the 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until they are deep golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add leeks, carrots and garlic, and continue to cook until tender, another 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking until it is well combined, another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups broth, cooked lentils and peas, and cook until thickened. Remove thyme stems and stir in lemon juice to taste.
• Top the mixture with dollops of the mashed potatoes, then spread them out over the top. (Or transfer the lentil mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish and spread into an even layer, and top with potatoes.) Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano. Transfer to the oven and, if the mixture is at the top edges of your pan, set a foil-lined baking sheet underneath the pan to catch any drips. Bake the pie until the potatoes have begun to brown and the edges are bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion and carrot for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally until soft and starting to brown. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute then stir in the lentils, tomatoes, stock, water, tomato puree, soy sauce and sugar.
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes, until the lentils are soft (older lentils will take a little longer). Add a little extra water if the pan gets too dry.
• Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in plenty of salted water for around 15 minutes, until just tender. Drain the potatoes then mash well. Beat in the butter and milk and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Season the lentils to taste with pepper then divide them between small baking dishes or ramekins. I used 6 ramekin dishes 9cm diameter and 4 cm depth. Spread the mashed potato over the lentils and mark in ridges with a fork. Refrigerate until needed.
• Preheat the oven to 200c/400G/Gas 6/ Fan 180c. Put the pies on a baking sheet, brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the potato is golden on top and the pie is piping hot. Cool slightly and check temperature before serving.
• Pies can be wrapped in clingfilm and frozen. Defrost overnight in fridge.

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/Gas 6. Boil the potatoes in salted water.
• Drain and mash with the butter, milk and Parmesan and season to taste.
• To make the sauce, melt the butter and sauté the shallot for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add the white wine vinegar and boil for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Gradually, stir in the fish stock and then cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously. Bring to the boil then cook stirring until thickened.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cream and the chopped dill or chives. Season well as the fish is unseasoned.
• Divide all the fish and peas among four or six mini ramekins (depending on the size) and pour over the sauce. Brush the potato topping with a little beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes.