Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

COMFORT FOOD!!  Here's an amazing recipe that is a delicious, savory, meatless meal that will stick to your ribs.  The "Boca" crumbles in the dish would fool even the most devoted carnivore!  Perfect for the fall/winter weather headed our way!!

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 8 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 package meat substitute crumbles (like Boca)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 (19 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cook potatoes, covered, in a small amount of boiling water until tender. Drain and mash.
3. While potatoes are cooking, steam or boil carrots and mixed vegetables until near tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, cook garlic powder, basil and parsley in butter or margarine for about 20 seconds (or microwave for 10 seconds). Stir into mashed potatoes along with salt and pepper. Gradually beat in enough milk to make potatoes light and fluffy, add a little more milk if necessary. Set aside
5. In a medium saucepan, cook onion in oil until tender but not brown. Stir in boca crumbles, kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar and vegetable/carrot mixture. Heat through until bubbly.
6. Transfer vegetable mixture to a 8x8x2 inch baking dish. Drop mashed potatoes in mounds over the top. Sprinkle with cheese and paprika. Bake, uncovered at 375 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. 

NUTRITION INFO:  Amount Per Serving  (serves 6) Calories: 386 | Total Fat: 8.4g | Fiber: 21.4g | Cholesterol: 36mg