Are you looking to impress your friends and family with a vegan dinner that is not only delicious but also visually appealing? Look no further than these vegan dinner recipes using pie crust! In this article, we will explore four different dinner recipes that incorporate pie crust in creative ways, adding a fun and unexpected twist to classic dishes. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Vegan Pot Pie

Pot pie is a classic comfort food that is often made with chicken or beef. However, this vegan version is just as satisfying and flavorful! Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade vegan pie crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools

• Large saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Pie dish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mixed vegetables and potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are slightly tender.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable broth and flour until smooth. Add mixture to the pot with the vegetables and stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the mixture has thickened. Add plant-based milk and stir to combine.
6. Remove pot from heat and pour mixture into a pie dish. Place the pie crust over the top of the dish and pinch the edges to seal.
7. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Vegan Quiche

Quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This vegan version uses a tofu-based filling and a flaky pie crust for a satisfying meal. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade vegan pie crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 block firm tofu, drained and crumbled
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tools

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Pie dish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add red bell pepper and spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach has wilted.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the tofu mixture and stir to combine.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish that is traditionally made with ground meat. This vegan version swaps out the meat for lentils and uses a flaky pie crust for added texture. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade vegan pie crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Pie dish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add cooked lentils and mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the lentil and vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
6. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with the pie crust, pinching the edges to seal.
7. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Vegan Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular Latin American pastry that is typically filled with meat and vegetables. This vegan version uses a savory mushroom and onion filling and a flaky pie crust for a delicious and portable meal. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade vegan pie crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Rolling pin
• Circle cookie cutter or glass

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and use a circle cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
5. Spoon a tablespoon of the mushroom and onion filling onto one side of each dough circle.
6. Fold the other side of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
7. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Incorporating pie crust into vegan dinner recipes is a fun and unexpected way to elevate classic dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting pot pie, a savory quiche, a hearty shepherd’s pie, or a portable empanada, there is a recipe here for you. So, grab a pie crust and get creative in the kitchen!