Vege Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie, sometimes known as Cottage Pie is a traditional English dish dating back hundreds of years. In this vegetarian take, I also call on some other British traditions - Marmite and HP sauce, both of which you should be able to find in the international section of grocery stores or specialist shops like Cost Plus World Markets.

Marmite is a yeast extract, rich in vitamins with a big flavor. It's similar to Vegemite and Cenovis. HP sauce is sweet, fruity and spicy, kind of like a milder Worcestershire sauce.

Serves 6

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 stick celery, diced
• 1/2 cup TVP
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup stock
• 2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes

Flavorings:

• 3 tbsp marmite
• 2 tbsp HP sauce
• 1/4 cup red wine (can be old)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 medium vine tomatoes (or similar) cored, then pureed

In a large microwave/heat proof casserole dish, microwave the onion in the olive oil for about five minutes until slightly translucent.

Add the quinoa, bulgur, water, stock and flavorings. Microwave for another 15 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes or so. Add the carrot, celery and TVP and microwave another 5 minutes. Add some more water if necessary, but there needs to be very little surplus.

Top with the potato score it to make peaks and more surface area. Brown under a hot broiler.