Vegetable Tofu Shepherds Pie Food

TOFU SHEPHERD'S PIE

Steps:

• To freeze-thaw and shred tofu: Freezing tofu gives it a chewy texture which adds textural variety to casseroles. To perform this step, place the cake of tofu on a plate in the freezer, lightly covered with plastic wrap. In a couple hours, the tofu will be solidly frozen. Thaw the tofu for about 24 hours in the fridge. The thawed tofu block will resemble a sponge. Gently squeeze the water out. Then, grate the tofu by hand or in a food processor.
• For the tofu layer, saute the chopped onions in the oil with the thyme, coriander, and black pepper until the onions are translucent.
• Stir in the chopped walnuts and shredded tofu.
• When heated through, stir in lemon juice and soy sauce. Remove from heat.
• To make the mashed potatoes, place the cubed potatoes in a saucepan and cover with lightly salted water.
• Bring to a boil, and then simmer the potatoes until soft.
• Drain, saving the hot potato water to use in the gravy.
• Mash the potatoes with the butter and milk. Salt to taste.
• For the gravy, heat the oil in a skillet.
• Stir in the mushrooms, soy sauce, and black pepper.
• Saute, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender.
• Add 1 1/2 cups of the potato water and bring to a boil.
• Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook at a low boil, continuing to stir, until the gravy is clear and thick.
• Oil a 9 inch square casserole dish or use a 10 inch round cast iron skillet.
• Layer the tofu mixture, then the mushroom gravy, and then the mashed potatoes.
• Dot the top with butter or margarine.
• Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the top becomes golden.

VEGETARIAN SHEPHERDS' PIE

Steps:

• Freeze tofu over night, then thaw, press out excess liquid and break into small pieces.
• Potato Layer: Put potatoes in pan with just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer until soft (about 20 minutes). Drain potatoes saving the starchy water for the mushroom gravy if possible. Mash potatoes with margarine, soy milk and salt to taste and set aside.
• Tofu Layer: Saute chopped onion in 2 T. oil with thyme, coriander and pepper until onions are translucent. Add chopped walnuts and shredded tofu. When heated through, stir in lemon juice and tamari. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Mushroom Gravy: Saute mushrooms, tamari and black pepper in 2 T. oil. Cook until they express most of their liquid. Add the potato water and bring to a boil. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture and cook at a low boil, continuing to stir until the gravy is thick and clear. Adjust spices if necessary.
• Putting it together: Spread tofu mixture evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish. Pour half of the mushroom gravy mixture on top (reserve the rest to serve with the meal). Spread the potatoes evenly on top of the tofu, mushroom mixture.
• Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
• Use the rest of the mushroom gravy to spoon on top of each serving.