From time to time, I like to take a meat-based dish and try to create a vegetarian or plant-based version of it. This one is based on my potato pie recipe and is 100% plant-based. Beans, in all shapes and colours, are perfect as a substitute for minced meat. They have a similar texture and with the right seasoning you don’t really miss the meat. I use black beans but feel free to use other types as you see fit.

Mashed potato
500 gr potato
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil

Beans
265 gr canned black beans, drained
1 onion
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt

Garnish
12 cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

  1. Peel the potatoes, cut them in large chunks, and steam them, about 25 minutes.
  2. In a mortar, crush the garlic and thyme leaves into a paste.
  3. Place the cherry tomatoes under the grill until the skin starts to turn brown and the tomatoes burst open.
  4. Peel and thinly slice the onion. heat a bit of oil and fry them until they start to turn brown.
  5. Add the spices and fry for 30 seconds and then add the beans. Season to taste with salt.
  6. Once the potatoes are done, mash them with the garlic thyme paste, a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  7. Build up the pie on a warmed up serving plate starting with a layer of mash, then the beans and top with the tomatoes and thyme leaves.