Vegetarian pies are the perfect comfort food, especially when you want something hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor without turning to meat. The BBC Recipes Vegetarian Pie is a fantastic dish that combines a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, and flaky pastry to create a meal that satisfies all cravings.
Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to your repertoire, this pie offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
Plus, it’s a brilliant way to get your daily dose of veggies in a delicious, comforting package. Ready to impress your family or guests with a pie that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying?
Let’s dive into the details of this classic BBC vegetarian pie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian pie is a crowd-pleaser that blends fresh vegetables and rich flavors wrapped in buttery, golden pastry. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, offering a cozy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap out vegetables depending on what you prefer or have available, and it’s easy to make with store-bought pastry or homemade crust.
Plus, the creamy sauce binds all the ingredients together beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the natural goodness of the veggies.
Whether you’re serving vegetarians or just want a delicious meat-free option, this pie is a winner. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and even tastes better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 150g mushrooms, sliced
- 150g frozen peas
- 150g sweetcorn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 300ml vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 150ml milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet ready-rolled shortcrust pastry (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing, optional)
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pie dish (approx. 20cm diameter)
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring jug
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Brush for glazing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the carrots and mushrooms to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Meanwhile, boil the diced potatoes in a medium saucepan until just tender (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables in the frying pan. Stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable stock and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked potatoes, peas, sweetcorn, and dried thyme to the mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the vegetable filling into your pie dish and let it cool slightly.
- Roll out the pastry sheet to cover the top of your pie dish. Trim any excess pastry and use a fork to crimp the edges to the dish.
- Optional: Brush the pastry with beaten egg to give it a lovely golden finish when baked.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a richer filling, add 100g of grated mature cheddar or a plant-based cheese alternative just before baking.
You can easily customize this pie by swapping vegetables. Try adding diced butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or green beans for different textures and flavors.
For extra protein, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for thickening and a gluten-free pastry base. To make the pie vegan, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan pastry sheet.
For a lighter version, use filo pastry instead of shortcrust and layer multiple sheets brushed with olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 pie) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sugar | 6 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables.
To add some crunch and extra flavor, a side of garlic bread or crusty sourdough is a great accompaniment. If you’re looking for more vegetarian comfort food ideas, check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or try the Half Runner Beans Recipe for some delicious side options.
Conclusion
Making the BBC Recipes Vegetarian Pie at home is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of vegetables wrapped in a flaky crust that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
This recipe’s versatility means you can tweak it to suit your dietary preferences or whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s a perfect introduction to vegetarian cooking for those new to meat-free meals, but also a beloved classic for seasoned vegetarians.
Give this pie a try for your next meal and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors that make it a timeless favorite. And if you love exploring vegetarian recipes, be sure to visit our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a quick, flavorful dinner idea that complements this pie beautifully.
📖 Recipe Card: BBC Recipes Vegetarian Pie
Description: A hearty and comforting vegetarian pie filled with mixed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add tomato paste and thyme, cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable stock and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer vegetable mixture to a baking dish.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
- Dot with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 55 g
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