It all started out with a "Cottage Pie", then slowly just like it happens for almost everything, it sprouted branches by way of variations. Shepherd Pie came into existence and so did many others like cowboy pie, Pâté chinois, hachis Parmentier, Siniyet Batata, etc. Of course each boasts of a distinct ingredient which is different from the others although sometimes used interchangeably. With beefs and lambs playing the main role in these variations, can the humble legumes and soy be left far behind? I may not be right, but I have an inkling that the shepherd's in India at least cant really afford to have choicest cuts of the meat for their meal. They rather would sell them, make money out of it while eating frugal themselves. so sadly poor that they are! :(

This variations is good for cleaning the fridge of those bits of assorted vegetables. You know, when at the end of the week you find yourself staring at 1 carrot, 2 parsnips, 2 'i am going to die soon' bell peppers etc - then this is it ;). Recently, I found Seitan Cutlets in my local food market. I was surprised since I always found the 'blob looking' type. I had bought some home and promptly forgotten about them. So come weekend and time comes for shopping anew, I see it happily sitting in the corner. I used that and the vegetables together to make the pie with the seitan , chickpeas and Portobello being the meat replacement. I don't have the right measures since it was all kinda chop and throw into the pot - but I have an approximate idea of the ingredients I used and how I made them - hence pls do use your discretion for the seasonings. This provides a generous portion for 2 and would be a good meal for 3. You might be interested in: Vegetarian Meat Loaf, Vegan Sloppy Joe, Vegetable Pot Pies, African Jollof Rice