Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with a Chocolate Twist

A comforting, plant-based take on a classic, with rich dark chocolate adding depth, warmth and flavour.

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, satisfying plant-based meal that still feels indulgent? This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with a Chocolate Twist is packed with rich lentils, warming spices and finished with a creamy plant-based mash. The addition of dark chocolate enhances the savoury notes of the dish, adding depth rather than sweetness.

Perfect for cosy evenings, family dinners or Veganuary cooking, this recipe proves that chocolate isn’t just for desserts – explore our Vegan range of chocolate and open up a world of flavour for your family favourites.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Filling

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 200g cooked green or brown lentils (tinned or pre-cooked)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 200ml vegetable stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 30g Choc Affair Dark Chocolate

For the Mash Topping

• 750g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2–3 tbsp plant-based butter
• 60–100ml unsweetened oat drink or alternative cream (or other plant-based alternative)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute.

Add the lentils, tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, smoked paprika, thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Remove from the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully incorporated. This adds richness and savoury depth without making the dish sweet.

2. Make the Mash

While the filling simmers, cook the potatoes in salted boiling water for 15 – 20 minutes until tender. Drain well.

Mash with the plant-based butter and oat drink until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.

3. Assemble & Bake

Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan).

Transfer the chocolate lentil filling into a baking dish. Spoon the mash evenly over the top and smooth with a fork.

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden on top and bubbling around the edges.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with seasonal greens or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.

Why Add Chocolate?

Dark chocolate contains natural bitterness and depth that enhances savoury dishes. When paired with lentils and tomatoes, it:

• Adds richness without sweetness
• Deepens umami flavour
• Creates a more rounded, slow-cooked taste

It’s a subtle but transformative ingredient and well worth a try. You can always enjoy the rest of the bar for your dessert! Explore our Vegan Chocolate range to bring depth and richness to your savoury cooking