Protein and starch in its best form. While your creation is not going to win any beauty contests, the absolute and unadulterated functionality of this meal shouldn't be understated. (As you might have guessed, "functional" meals are at the top of my list.)
Fun fact: It is only considered Shepherd's Pie if the meat used is ground lamb, otherwise, it is known as Cottage Pie!
I know this is a vegan group, and OP's pic looks delicious, but I just wanted to spread a little bit of trivia I learned from two chef's I used to work with. :)
Shepherds pies are delicious and so satisfying. I think Jamie Oliver's tip with squeezing the oil over the potatoes before putting it in the oven is really good. Gives the potatoes a very nice crispy and delicious outer layer (and it looks great too!)
Timestamp here: https://youtu.be/vkTfd0SihMM?feature=shared&t=354
Yeah my mash potatoes didn't really crisp up enough, I think next time what I'd do is brush a small amount of tahini over the top. I actually don't use any oil in my cooking because in my 30s I became prediabetic from a shitty diet and I follow the forks over knives/McDougall program for the past almost 8 years now. I'm into my 40s now and feel great and am extremely avoidant of adding oil back lol
edit: the really mad lemmitor that is downvoting all my posts in my vegan cooking community really needs to get a grip and a life LOL