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If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying a festive classic without compromising your vegan lifestyle, the Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe is here to steal your heart. This dish brings together a flaky, golden crust hugging a rich, deeply flavorful filling that blends earthy mushrooms, hearty lentils, and just a touch of sweetness from sultanas. It’s the perfect celebration dish, full of comforting spices and textures that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving a special meal, this tourtière will quickly become a treasured favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black frying pan filled with a colorful mixture of cooked ground meat, bright green peas, small orange carrot cubes, and lightly browned small mushroom pieces, all evenly spread across the pan. The pan has a matte black handle extending out from the bottom left against a white marbled surface background. The food texture appears soft yet firm, with the green peas standing out as the brightest element on top, showing a well-mixed and cooked vegetable and meat combination. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a wonderful example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the earthy mushrooms and tender lentils building the base of the filling, to the fresh herbs and spices giving it layers of complex flavor, culminating in a flaky crust that ties it all together.

Vegan pie crust: Two batches to form the tender, flaky top and bottom layers, essential for that perfect bite.
Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Onion (medium, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and boosts flavor complexity.
Carrots (2 medium, finely diced): Offer a slight sweetness and a bit of gentle texture contrast.
Mushrooms (1 cup, finely chopped): Provide savory, umami richness essential to the filling.
Sultanas (2 tablespoons): A hint of natural sweetness balancing the earthiness.
Green lentils (1 cup, cooked): Nutrient-dense and hearty, making the filling satisfyingly substantial.
Vegan ground meat (1 cup, optional): Adds a familiar texture but can be swapped for extra lentils for a fully plant-powered dish.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savoriness and adds a touch of acidity.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances the umami and brings a savory saltiness.
Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): Or dried, for herby brightness that lifts the filling.
Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped): Provides piney, fragrant depth to the flavor profile.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle exotic twist.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smoky undertone that makes the filling irresistible.
Salt and pepper: To taste — essential for balancing and highlighting the spices.
Vegan bouillon cube (1, dissolved in ½ cup hot water): Builds a rich broth base that moistens and flavors the filling.
Frozen peas (½ cup): A pop of sweetness and fresh color to brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
Plant-based milk (2 tablespoons): For glazing the crust to achieve a beautiful golden finish.

How to Make Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mince Filling

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — this will be the foundation for your filling’s flavor. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them gently until they soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet, savory aroma. Next, toss in the diced carrots and let them cook for about five minutes; they will start to soften while adding subtle sweetness and texture.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Add Sultanas

In with the chopped mushrooms next! Cook them slowly so they release their moisture and begin to caramelize slightly, creating those irresistible savory notes. The mushrooms are critical for that meaty, umami flavor we all crave. Then, stir in the sultanas — these little bursts of sweetness balance the depths of the earthy mushrooms and lentils beautifully.

Step 3: Add Lentils and Vegan Ground Meat

Once your mushrooms and sultanas are perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the cooked green lentils along with your vegan ground meat (but feel free to skip the meat and add extra lentils if you prefer!). This combo provides a hearty, satisfying texture that mimics the traditional tourtière filling, making it both hearty and comforting.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now comes the magic: stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, plus warming ground cumin and smoky paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in your dissolved vegan bouillon cube broth and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates and the filling thickens — the flavors will concentrate wonderfully. Finally, toss in the frozen peas and cook for an additional couple of minutes before letting the filling cool down.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Roll out one batch of your vegan pie crust and line your pie dish for the base. Spoon the cooled filling evenly over the crust, then cover with the second rolled-out crust, crimping the edges to seal everything inside. Brush the top with plant-based milk for that perfect golden glaze. Bake until the crust is flaky and beautifully browned, and the filling is bubbling gently inside.

How to Serve Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe

The image shows a slice of pie on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The pie has three visible layers: a thick, golden-brown crust on top and bottom, and a filling in the middle made of small, finely chopped orange, brown, and green pieces, giving it a mixed texture. The slice is sharp and tall, with a crimped edge crust. Next to the slice is a small green salad with leafy greens and red cherry tomato halves. In the background, the rest of the pie is in a white dish with a red outer edge, and a second slice is on another white plate blurred out. A golden fork is placed beside the plate, partially visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley on top adds a lovely burst of color and fresh herbal fragrance. For a bit of flair and an extra touch of richness, a small drizzle of vegan gravy or a smear of tangy mustard on the side will elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This vegan tourtière pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a truly cozy meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery sautéed greens create the perfect comforting accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, try making individual mini tourtières in ramekins or muffin tins. This makes serving effortless and adds an elegant touch. You could also use decorative pastry cutouts on top for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it covered tightly to maintain that flaky crust and fresh filling flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day or two before baking. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and assemble your tourtière when ready to bake. This makes for an easy and stress-free meal preparation.

What if I don’t have vegan ground meat? Can I omit it?

Yes! You can simply use an extra cup of cooked green lentils to replace the vegan ground meat. The lentils provide plenty of texture and protein, making the dish fully satisfying and delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but the crust usually contains gluten. To keep it gluten-free, use your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crust instead.

Can I use canned lentils or should I cook them fresh?

Canned lentils work perfectly here and save time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the filling to avoid excess moisture.

How spicy is this Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe?

It’s gently spiced — with warming ground cumin and smoked paprika, but it’s not spicy hot. You can easily adjust the spices to your taste to add more heat or keep it mild.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and this Vegan Tourtière with Savory Lentil and Mushroom Filling Recipe fits that perfectly. Its heartwarming blend of spices, comforting textures, and flaky crust will make it your go-to for any cozy gathering or holiday celebration. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will bring some serious joy and warmth to your table.

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