I just made this Mushroom Gravy Pie with Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe, and I have to say it turned out incredibly comforting. The rich mushroom gravy paired with creamy kale mashed potatoes felt like the ultimate cozy meal.
I loved how hearty and satisfying it was without using any dairy. The flavors were deep, earthy, and perfectly balanced. After making it once, I knew it would become a regular in my kitchen.
For readers who enjoy exploring different flavorful meal ideas, you may also find inspiration in recipes like jerk-chicken-recipe-2 and asparagus-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious pie. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.
- 2 cups chopped kale, packed — Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup dry French lentils, rinsed — Provides protein and hearty texture to the gravy.
- 1⅓ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped — Creates a naturally creamy mash.
- 3 cloves garlic, divided — Adds bold flavor to both the mash and gravy.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided — Enhances richness and smooth texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened non-dairy milk — Keeps the mashed potatoes soft and fluffy.
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste — Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely diced — Builds the savory base of the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), minced — Adds aromatic depth.
- 2¼ lbs mixed mushrooms, chopped — The main flavor component; provides umami richness.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar — Adds subtle sweetness and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce — Boosts savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste — Deepens the color and taste of the gravy.
- 1 cup vegetable stock — Forms the liquid base of the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder — Thickens the gravy to a pie-like consistency.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 6–8 people, depending on portion size.
Variations
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit different preferences:
- Dairy-free option: The recipe is already dairy-free, but you can use vegan butter instead of olive oil for extra richness.
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free tamari and vegetable stock.
- Extra vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or spinach for more color and nutrients.
- Creamier mash: Stir in a little vegan cream cheese or more non-dairy milk.
- Lower-carb version: Replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: About 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: Around 2 hours
Equipment You Need
- Large pot — For boiling potatoes, kale, and lentils.
- Colander — To drain cooked ingredients.
- Potato masher — For creating smooth mashed potatoes.
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven — For preparing the mushroom gravy.
- 9×13-inch baking dish — To assemble and bake the pie.
- Mixing spoon or spatula — For combining and layering ingredients.
How to Make Mushroom Gravy Pie with Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prepare the Kale
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the kale briefly until bright green and tender. This step softens it and keeps its color vibrant. After draining, rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Squeeze out excess moisture before chopping finely.
Cook the Lentils and Potatoes
Simmer the lentils in water until tender but not mushy. At the same time, boil the potatoes with a clove of garlic until fork-tender. Drain well so the mash doesn’t become watery.
Make the Kale Mashed Potatoes
Mash the drained potatoes with olive oil, non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped kale and mix until smooth and evenly combined. Adjust seasoning to taste for the best flavor.
Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
Sauté onion, garlic, and fresh herbs in olive oil until fragrant. Add chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in lentils, balsamic vinegar, tamari, tomato paste, stock, and arrowroot mixture. Simmer until thick and rich.
Assemble the Pie
Spread the mushroom gravy evenly into a greased baking dish. Carefully layer the kale mashed potatoes on top, smoothing the surface. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra golden color.
Bake and Serve
Bake in the oven until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- I always make sure to cook the mushrooms long enough so their flavor becomes deep and concentrated.
- I season the mashed potatoes generously because they balance the savory gravy.
- I let the pie rest before serving so it holds its shape better.
- Adding fresh herbs right before serving brightens the flavor.
- I sometimes drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for richness.
How to Serve Mushroom Gravy Pie with Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Serve warm in generous slices for a comforting meal. I like to garnish it with fresh herbs for color and aroma. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For presentation, serve it in a shallow bowl to showcase the layers of mash and gravy.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: Moderate, filling and satisfying
- Protein: Good plant-based protein from lentils and mushrooms
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from potatoes and lentils
- Fat: Mostly from olive oil
Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled pie or freeze the gravy and mashed potatoes separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable stock if the gravy needs loosening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons this dish is worth making:
- It’s deeply flavorful and comforting.
- Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep.
- Completely plant-based and easy to adapt.
- Combines creamy mashed potatoes with rich mushroom gravy in one dish.
- Great leftovers that taste even better the next day.
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels special but is still wholesome, this Mushroom Gravy Pie with Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes is a wonderful choice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
