Vegan Shepard-less Pie

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS
2 T oil
2 T garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 parsnips, sliced
4 medium carrots, sliced
4 large stalks of celery, thinly sliced
1 c mushrooms, sliced
1 c vegetable broth
1/4 c red wine (I used a merlot)
2 t dried thyme
1 t Italian seasoning
3 T flour
salt and pepper
(also get ingredients for Cauliflower Mash)

1. Use appropriate ingredients to make the cauliflower mash that is the top of the shepard-less pie. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 425.

3. To prepare the filling of the pie, add the oil and add garlic and onions to a large skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes. Add parsnips, carrots, celery and mushrooms and cook on medium-low for 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, wine, thyme, Italian seasoning, flour, salt and pepper. Add liquid mixture to the vegetables in the skillet and mix well. Cook for 7-10 minutes or until thickened and season to taste.

5. Grease a casserole dish and scoop the vegetable mixture into that. Cover vegetables with the cauliflower mash and garnish with pepper and thyme. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Allow 10 minutes to cool before serving.

If desired, prepare this delicious vegan gravy while the shepard-less pie is baking.